GFP Musical Prodigy Sisters-Evicted

My father whom recently passed away was a top pan-man in Trinidad West Indies.  His band, Crosswinds Steel Pan Orchestra, won the first national competition before it was called Panorama.  As a man of the community he trained young persons and one of these young people trained by him over 50 years ago was a 10 year old called Pink Eye (nickname).  Pink Eye later started Pan Jammers whom recently performed at my dad's wake in June of this year.

 We were so impressed by the Pan Jammers performance and the fact that they were only children ages 9 to 16, which competed and won at the adult level competitions; that we asked to meet with the arranger Robert Tobitt. 

Robert told us about his many talented panist, and about a family of 9 children in particular, where 4 of his most talented panist in his band are sisters.  The youngest; a child prodigy is only 9 years old.  The mother is struggling and the father is unable to contribute financially due to health issues.  Robert Tobitt described to us that they lived in a dilapidated wood clad house with missing and deteriorated floor boards, no electricity, only an extension chord plugged in a neighbor’s house, and no running water.  The family is being kicked out by the land owner and they have been given several eviction notices and will be on the street at any point.  The girls say playing pan is there only outlet and source of income.  Often-times the small money shared between the band members and the sisters particularly are pooled to help their mom buy food for the rest of their siblings.

 I was so touched by these young talented, tough, and resilient girls,  that I contacted Habitat for Humanity Trinidad for help.  Habitat fell in love with the story and wanted to help but they could not furnish the land, only the construction.  Robert and I reached out to a local land owner that helps out where he can, and he said that although he has land available, he cannot donate it, only sell it because it is very expensive in Santa Cruz area.  A 6000 SF lot will cost about $100,000 USD.  

We are seeking to raise $150,000 for the land, fees/taxes, and legal required to purchase the property and build a 3 bedroom home using Habitat for Humanity. 

This will provide the stability needed for these musical prodigies and will launch them towards great things in their future.    Please help this worthy cause, no one should be homeless, especially these children.