The River City Revitalization Group, which started as an initiative of the graduating Class of 1977 from Greenville High School, has now grown to encompass members of many classes from Greenville High School, and this group has successfully launched its first major project aimed at helping provide musical instruments to students attending the Greenville Public Schools.
Very quietly and one-by-one new and used instruments have been purchased and donated to the Greenville Public School System by members and friends of the River City Revitalization Group, many of whom played in the band when they were students at Greenville High School. “We knew about the amazing impact music played in our lives growing up in Greenville, and we wanted to provide that same opportunity to current students,” states Iris Stacker, Steering Committee member of the River City Revitalization Group. “Our group has been working since March to generate the donation of new and used instruments to be used by the Greenville Public School System. It’s been a wonderful success so far!”
More than twenty (20) new and used instruments have been collected and donated to Antoinette Cox, Band Director at Greenville High School and also a graduating member of the Class of 1977. “The instruments have arrived at the perfect time,” comments Cox. “Right as we were planning for this year’s Band Clinic, we had an influx of new and used instruments we could immediately put to good use! I am so thankful to my classmates for all of their hard work and commitment to helping my students who want to experience the excitement of performing with the Greenville High band.”
In addition, the district leadership views this wonderful collaboration as another avenue to push the ABCs-Attendance, Behavior and Class performance. “Being a part of a group in school gives students a sense of belonging where they want to attend school. Extracurricular activities require positive behavior and a certain grade average; therefore, students are not only in school, but they are performing in the band and performing in class at the academic and behavioral level required,” states Dr. Janice Page, Superintendent.
“We were thrilled to partner with the River City Revitalization Group in the establishment of this fund and are excited to be a part of this grassroots efforts here in our community,” said Doug Wade, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Collaborative efforts like this with other organizations and community leaders are the essence of what community foundations are all about and how they can benefit the community they serve beyond simply raising money and granting money. The Community Foundation gives individuals the opportunity to share their passions and to encourage others to share their passions through the establishment of funds like this.”
Through the River City Revitalization Fund, affiliated with the Community Foundation of Washington County, the group is continuing to raise additional funds to facilitate its future work focused on benefiting and enhancing revitalization efforts in our community as well as assisting with vitally needed projects in the school systems throughout Washington County. All donations are tax deductible. To share in the mission of the River City Revitalization Group, you can donate online at the Foundation’s secure website at www.cfwashco.org or send your donation to the Community Foundation of Washington County at the following address:
Community Foundation of Washington County
P.O. Box 5910
Greenville, MS 38704
Be sure to put River City Revitalization Fund in the memo line of your check.
To learn more about this fund – Click here.
To donate online to this fund – Click here.
New and used instruments are still being collected and will be used both inside Greenville Public Schools and in other school systems throughout Washington County. To learn more about the specifics of the instrument drive, please contact Iris Stacker at 662.725.2264.
