Spring is right around the corner, and it’s time to clean out those closets, basements, attics and garages and start donating. If you have musical instruments that you are no longer using, The Farina Foundation will not only gladly accept them, but they will also turn around and put them in the hands of needy children in over 200+ underserved schools.
The Farina Foundation was established in 2015 to continue the legacy of Frank J. Farina Jr., the former chair of the North Allegheny Music Department. He was a music legend in the region. Farina Jr. believed that every child should have the opportunity to fulfill their musical aspirations.
“My father passed away in 2012, and my family and I, in honor of his legacy, created The Farina Foundation to provide the gift of music. Through our Play-It Forward program, we accept donated new and used instruments from partnered organizations and individuals, refurbish those instruments and then provide those instruments to underprivileged children of all ages throughout the Tri-State area. The youth we serve have musical potential but face personal challenges or lack the funds and resources to purchase instruments. By giving these kids a musical instrument, we are providing them with an opportunity to nurture their knowledge of music and fulfill their dreams of playing it. The effects of music education have been described as a 'full-body brain workout,'” engaging multiple networks responsible for decision-making and focus,” said Frank Farina III.
“We are looking for musical instrument donations and accept nearly any instrument in good, playable condition. The foundation is particularly interested in brass, woodwind and string instruments. Once we receive and evaluate the donations, we ensure that the instruments are then repaired, refurbished and thoroughly sanitized to a good, usable condition. Very little goes to waste, considering those instruments that are not salvageable are used for parts on other instruments.” added Farina. “We are fortunate that our foundation is partnered with some great organizations. We work with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, the Music Therapy Department of Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh, the Wesley Family Service Creative Arts Program, The Education Partnership, Goodwill Industries, Brighton Music Center and Johnstonbaugh Music Center. My family is committed to continuing my father’s work of community outreach. My mother, Barbara, is the president of the foundation. My two sisters and brother-in-law work there as well. Maria is our vice president; Laura serves as our treasurer, and Mike is our secretary. As Chairman of the Board, I oversee our day-to-day operations. As my father always said, “It’s All About the Kids!” Farina said.
If you wish to support The Farina Foundation, you can take your musical instrument donations to Brighton Music Center, 2110 Babcock Boulevard, Ross Township, or contact Frank directly at: thefarinafoundation@gmail.com. For more information on how to donate, visit their website at farinafoundation.org.
By Paula Green