Ongama's Reach for the Stars Fund

Update: 3/26/21

Friends,
The day has finally arrived! See you tomorrow, Sunday, March 27th for Ongama's Recital at 2:30PM (EST)!

Click the link below (or go the MSM website under performances to connect with the livestream):
https://www.msmnyc.edu/livestream/ongama-mhlontlo/?fbclid=IwAR1n8DD_O4MB209HgRgXSKZOKCGmtYME89YR2q0Oxuwf8nWClgcso_2SwGY

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Update: 2/17/21
As we make our way through this cold winter here in the US, I am so thrilled to be relaying this update, which I hope will bring some warmth to all of you!

Very recently, we were contacted by an incredible donor, who was so moved by the generosity shown by each one of you, that they decided to contribute the remaining funds that Ongama needs in order to stay here, safely, through May to finish his studies.  

Amazing!

Huge thanks are due to them and each and every one of you for your donations and for sharing this campaign far and wide!  We would not be here without your kindness.  

Moving forward, Ongama hopes to embark on a year of Optional Practice Training (OPT), which would extend his visa for another year (fingers crossed!) after he graduates in May. In the coming months he will continue to look for part time work, and for full time employment after graduation.  As you know, finding gainful employment is a challenge in the arts - and this is especially the case during the pandemic we are all navigating. Therefore, we will keep this campaign open and ask that folks continue to share and give what you can. In fact, already, folks are coming forward privately to contribute to Ongama's year of OPT - just incredible!  

The events of the last few months have been uplifting for so many reasons, and we know that this is just the beginning for our talented friend Ongama.  We will look forward to celebrating in person as soon as we safely can, but until then, we are delighted to share that Ongama's Graduate Recital date has been secured for Sunday, March 28 @ 2:30PM EST. We will post a link here when it becomes available, so that all of you can join the virtual audience.  

Once again, thank you very much for your support. These past few months have been transformational in so many ways, and it's been lovely to meet many of you virtually, and be a part of this wonderful story! 

Looking forward to all that is to come! 

With gratitude,

Lindsay

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Update: 1/11/21

Ubuntu!  

It means "I am, because you are" in South Africa and indeed that could not be more true today!  Due to the incredible generosity of more than 140 friends, I am so pleased to share that Ongama will be attending the Manhattan School of Music this Spring to finish his Master of Music degree!

In just a few short weeks we witnessed what can be done when we all work together and we could not be more grateful.  What you have done has changed his life and that of his loved ones.  

Thank you.

While Ongama's education is now secure, there is still more to be done to ensure that he can safely stay in NYC to complete his studies for the next few months and set himself up for ongoing success.  While he is diligently seeking work, he will need continued support if he is to make it through the semester.  

It is due to this need that we have adjusted our GoFundMe fundraising goal and ask for your continued support for living expenses in a city that remains one of the most expensive in the world. Please share with as many folks as you can, and if you are able, please give.

As we have seen - every single dollar counts and means a great deal.

Please also take a few minutes to view the video Ongama made for you, above.  He is so grateful and full of hope for the opportunity to finish his studies and continue making meaningful strides to develop his musical gifts and share the musical spirit within him - as is evident in the video.

With your help, I know we can get him over the finish line, and look forward to celebrating, safely, together!

With gratitude,

Lindsay Rider

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12/17/20

Friends and Future Friends!

I'm Lindsay Rider, and am so pleased to be organizing this fundraiser and introducing you to a very talented musician, and wonderful human being. I am a proud alumna of Manhattan School of Music, and this is how I came to know Ongama Mhlontlo.  Since meeting him, I have known him to be hard working, generous and an overall kind soul.  Additionally, he is a diligent musician and incredible talent.  

His story is inspiring. In his hometown of Mthatha, South Africa, there were no private music teachers or music classes, but that didn't stop Ongama from learning all he could about music. Growing up, he would watch his mother conduct their local church choir, and took an interest in the church organ. His mother immediately saw his gift and before long, he was officially accompanying her choir. He had taught himself to play the organ without any instruction!  

With his mother's support, he worked hard to gain entrance into the University of Cape Town and his pursuit of becoming a professional opera singer was well on its way. After studying at the South African College of Music within the University of Cape Town, he took a chance and auditioned for the renowned Manhattan School of Music and was accepted into their Master of Music degree! He was awarded an International Advisory Board Named Scholarship, a generous talent-based award. Additionally, because his hometown was so proud of him, they decided to allocate funds to help him cover the full costs of tuition, room and board, and get him to New York City to achieve his dream.  

Unfortunately, his hometown was hit hard by the COVID-19 global pandemic, and had to make the heart-wrenching decision to revoke his scholarship money, thus leaving Ongama with a large debt that currently stands between him and his ability to complete his degree next semester.  

This young musician urgently needs our help!  

We are raising funds specifically to help him pay his outstanding educational debt, and help him secure his last semester of study here in NYC.  

Total fundraising goal is $26,000.  He must cover all school fees for Fall and Spring semesters, rent, utilities, groceries, and metro card.

I know that this time is hard for so many of us.  This year, especially, the arts have been hit hard, and with uncertain relief, I'm asking for each of us to give what we can to help this talented young man. Every dollar makes a difference.  

Please give and share.  

One of the things I dearly love about the artistic community is that we are always there for each other in times of need.  To support and lift each other up. That's what the arts do for society and what I know this young talent can do if given the opportunity to realize his full potential. Who knows, you could be helping to fund the next Pavarotti?! Won't you join me?!

Together, we can do this!

With all my love and hope for a brighter 2021,

Lindsay

P.S. Ongama is currently preparing a full length concert for Spring 2021, and is excited to invite each donor to attend a VIP performance and exclusive reception. Hope to see you there!