Young Musicians Unite raises $1 million in one night for free music education in schools
For local students — more than 16,000 of them — Young Musicians Unite has provided free music education and community since 2013.
The group’s mission is to inspire personal development, foster a sense of community, and prepare future leaders through collaborations with schools.
At its recent star-studded 11th annual gala, YMU raised $1 million in just one evening. Organizers said they will now be able to provide over 7,500 students in Miami-Dade with free music education for the 2024/2025 academic year.
“We are appreciative and blown away by the overwhelming support and love from the community towards our mission and children. I never thought I would say the words $1 million but we did it!” said Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, CEO/Founder of YMU.
Auction items were donated by notable celebrities such as Barry Gibb, Shawn Mendes and Sheryl Crow.
Guests enjoyed performances by student groups including The YMU Jazz Collective, YMU Alumni Ensemble led by Estelle Morales, LoBac, Miami Beach Rock Ensemble, Undercover, Not Yet Published-Student Ambassadors, Avalanche-Student Ambassadors, The Chiefs Marching Band from Carol City Senior High and the Afterschool Jazz Ensemble from the Young Men’s Preparatory Academy.
YMU equips schools with trained instructors, lesson plans, instruments, and all the needed resources for vibrant music classes.
The organization’s focus is on every student in Miami-Dade receiving access to music education regardless of their socio-economic background. Learn more at www.youngmusiciansunite.org/
YOUTH OF THE YEAR HONORED
Congratulations to Mariano De La Espriella, 18, who was named the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade 2024 Youth of the Year.
Mariano, who recently graduated from Miami Killian Sr. High, has been a member of the Kendall Club since 2022. His personal and academic growth is a source of inspiration for his friends, peers and Club counselors.
At Killian, he was in the law magnet program, was president of the social studies honor society and also led the debate team. He was awarded a Presidential Scholarship and will attend Miami Dade College in the fall.
“We are incredibly proud of Mariano for being named the 2024 Youth of the Year,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “He has proven to be the model ambassador for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade as he exemplifies the Clubs’ values including leadership, service and academic success.”
Mariano’s biggest contribution to Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been his work with the Clubs’ advocacy project that focuses on marine conservation and spreading awareness about ocean pollution. He spends time organizing and implementing beach and park clean-ups with his peers and regularly helps younger members with homework and mentorship.
FPL SURPRISES STUDENTS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS
Ten South Florida college-bound students were surprised, along with their friends and families, when FPL awarded each $20,000 for their university studies.
The NextEra Energy Scholarship for students in Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics, and Enrichment (SECME) is a merit award for high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the upcoming academic year.
The scholarship winners are: Alexis N. Idun-Ogde (American Senior High School, Hialeah); Daniel Perodin (Miami Palmetto Senior High School); Elisha M. Jackson (Palm Beach Gardens High School); Gianna F. Roberts (School for Advanced Studies, Homestead); Jonathan Perez (Pahokee High School); Lazaro A. Valdez (Pahokee High School); Rebeca Jean (Atlantic Community High School, Delray Beach); Samuel Jeanpierre (American Senior High School, Hialeah); Victoria A. Hamilron (School for Advanced Studies, Homestead); and Yonel Mederos Chavez (Pahokee High School).
BOBBLEHEAD CELEBRATES JIMMY BUFFETT
The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum announced in April the officially licensed Margaritaville Parrot Bobblehead to celebrate the life and legacy of beloved singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. Sales raise funds for his Singing for Change Foundation.
It quickly sold out, but now fans can sign up for the presale of a second batch that will be available in August. The bobblehead features a colorful parrot wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a backward baseball cap while playing the guitar.
Buffett, who delighted fans at thousands of venues across the world during his career, died in September. The Singing for Change Foundation, which he founded in 1995, funds organizations that inspire personal growth, community integration and the awareness that people can bring about positive change.
He will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this October. Learn about the Margaritaville Parrot Bobblehead presale at BobbleheadHall.com and visit singingforchange.org
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