Keep Arts Alive for Atlanta Students

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, I have been the Director of the MLK day 5k Drum Run for 14 years now. My purpose is and has always been to bring the community together for a day of fellowship & fitness, to honor the late, great unifier himself, Dr. Martin Luther Kink Jr. while supporting a local and very worthy cause.

With deep budget cuts in many of our public school systems today, there has been a drastic decline in the number of classes offered that focus on "The Arts." What are the arts you might ask? The Arts are classes primarily composed to promote self expression, free thinking, realizing your God given talents and most importantly, building one's self esteem. For example, acting/drama, tactical art, physical education and music programs just to name a few. Unfortunately, high school bands fall under this umbrella as well; therefore, a large portion of the Drum Run registration fees go to such bands from many of our local Atlanta public high schools.

Every student in the Drum Run bands receives a $25 donation for his or her school band program. This money helps pay for instruments, band uniforms, performance costs and transportation. The registration fee for race participation is only $35. Band members and their parents pay no out of pocket expenses for this event. ALL race participants have free parking, free photography, a certified course timer, free snacks and receive a long sleeve shirt with matching gloves, as well as the drum performance. It's a great deal and thoroughly entertaining to hear and watch the drummers on the race course as well.

So, if you are participating in the MLK day 5k or if running isn't your thing (walkers also welcome), or if you already have plans on MLK day and can not participate, maybe you would consider making a donation to this very worthy cause. Any contributions will help to keep these band programs in place. It will facilitate students to stay positively focused and forward thinking for a brighter, smarter future for us all!

Thank you in advance!

Yours Truly,

Chip