Jasmine Lewis, Violist, Music Fundraiser

I, Jasmine I. Purifoy-Lewis, am very thankful for the opportunity to travel to Anaheim, Los Angeles area, Universal City, and Heritage Festival April 17-21, 2013.  To get to California, I am going to need the support of friends, family, and people who believe in me like you and my mom.

My mom, 13 years my senior, gave birth to me, while she was an 8^th grade student at Joy Middle School. At the age of 13, she decided that she did not want to become the stereotypical young Black girl who depends on government assistance in order to sustain her family's survival.  She changed the way she viewed the world and realized that it's not the situations that we are placed in that ultimately affect are lives, it is our reaction to our current situation that shapes our outcome.  After having me she could have given up, dropped out of school, and continued to have more children.  However, she remained persistent in following her dreams, stayed in school, and instilled in me the importance of being resilient despite the odds.

As a student-musician, I am traveling with my high school orchestra and your donation will give me the trip of a liftetime. I am currently a junior in high school where I play in the concert orchestra. I am also a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Youth Jazz Ensemble, where I play the electric viola.  

I love playing my viola; it gives me the aspiration to keep playing and achieving my goals.  Music is the answer to everything, when I get mad I listen to music and it makes me feel better. Whenever my stomach hurts, I play my viola and the pain goes away. I am really looking forward to exploring California and honing my skills as a member of the orchestra.

Traveling for music is a great time to foster and build new friendships!Playing the viola is improving my future by letting me stand out from others who aren't musically talented. It shows that I'm am unique and willing to play an instrument even though my friends may say it's geeky. I love playing the viola and hope to keep playing it, thank you for giving me the opportunity to keep playing and learning.

Payment Schedule:

Oct 1. $350

Nov. 1 $350

Dec. 3 $350

Feb. 1 $350

March 1 TBD based on amount paid

Grateful,

Jasmine I-Purifoy-Lewis