DZF 8th Annual Music Education Fundraiser

Chatmosa Session - DZF 8th Annual Music Education Fundraiser

In our latest *Chatmosa Session*, we had the privilege of diving deep into the celebration of music and philanthropy during the *DZF 8th Annual Music Education Fundraiser*. Hosted by Polly Z, the founder of the David Z Foundation, the session highlighted the tremendous impact of the foundation and its commitment to enriching the lives of children through music education.

Polly began the session with a heartfelt tribute to her late brother, David Z, an accomplished musician whose legacy continues to resonate through this initiative. “Everything we do here at the David Z Foundation is inspired by him,” she expressed, reminding viewers of the foundation's mission to provide music programs primarily targeting underprivileged communities around the globe. The session aimed to raise $30,000 through donations, split between their Go Fund Me and eBay campaigns, to support ongoing projects and initiatives.

Throughout the event, various projects that showcased the creativity and talent of children were premiered. Notably, viewers were treated to original songs created by students, reflecting their academic and personal experiences through music. One standout video featured older students from PS 119 in Brooklyn with a creative take on the first 25 years of the 21st century, aptly titled *21st Century*. Polly noted, “When writing with these kids, it’s really challenging... because you have to take their ideas and curate it into something that’s a finished product.” The behind-the-scenes glimpses provided an empowering view of the songwriting process, demonstrating how participants were actively engaged in shaping their narratives.

Another key highlight was the work sponsored by the Washington Capitals Hockey Team, which allowed students at Brook Grove Elementary to create a theme song to celebrate the team's 50th anniversary. Polly noted, “It was something different than math and science... it was a theme song for them,” reinforcing how music transcends traditional educational boundaries, making learning a fun and collaborative process.

The session also featured impassioned testimonies from educators like Karen Larosa from PS 119, who expressed her gratitude, stating, “The kids all really are able to find a really good outlet in this program.” Such sentiments echoed throughout the evening, showcasing the profound impact of the foundation on both educators and students alike.

Polly kept the momentum alive by providing updates on fundraising progress, which reached an impressive $22,681 from eBay auctions alone by the end of the session. Encouraging viewers to keep contributing, she remarked, “Just think how far we can push it!” Her enthusiasm was palpable as she navigated through the evening's programming, punctuated by moments of humor and reflection on the challenges faced in bringing these projects to life.

As the session drew to a close, viewers were presented with a behind-the-scenes look at a special project—the remake of *We Are the World*. Polly concluded the event with an exuberant spirit, announcing, “We are over $32,000 in total fundraising!” A testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, this milestone was met with cheers and hopeful anticipation for future projects.

In summarizing the *DZF 8th Annual Music Education Fundraiser*, it is evident that the David Z Foundation continues to inspire, empower, and transform lives through the universal language of music. Whether through songwriting, collaboration, or community engagement, Polly Z and her team are making significant strides in ensuring that children everywhere can tell their stories—and what better way to do it than through music?

Stay tuned for more insights and stories from our rich podcast series, and consider supporting initiatives like the David Z Foundation that bring positivity and creative expression to children worldwide.