The Jefferson Foundation's distributes Music for All checks

March 21, 2008, Lakewood, CO - The Jefferson Foundation's Mona Sandoval and Jeffco Public Schools' Music Curriculum Coordinator, Kris Edwards, made a lot of music teachers happy this week, as they distributed checks from the Foundation's Music for All Fund.

Music for All was initially funded by a grant from Flatiron Crossing Music and Arts Foundation. Since 2005, the fund has provided over $16,000 in grants to purchase and repair instruments, music books, CDs and training materials.

"At the November Crystal Ball gala a special Music for All appeal generated $10,000," said Mona Sandoval. "An anonymous donor matched those funds, dollar for dollar, raising over $20,000."

There are over 10,200 students enrolled in band and orchestra in Jeffco Public Schools. Many students rely on instruments provided by their school and, with at least 300 instruments in need of repair, a number of students are unable to participate.

Checks were presented to pay for refurbishing and purchasing instruments at Kendrick Lakes and West Woods Elementary Schools, Arvada and Everitt Middle Schools, and Alameda High School.

"I was thrilled to see how important music is to these students. For many, this is what keeps them engaged and in school. Music really does transform," said Sandoval.

For additional information contact: Anton Delgado 303-982-2212 www.jeffersonfoundation.org