Dave Faries here, observing that Youth Orchestra Salinas gave a free concert—yes, past tense; it happened last night.
Sorry for getting anyone’s hopes for a fun evening of music (or a cheap date). I bring it up because in the current edition of the Weekly, staff writer Celia Jiménez features YOSAL as part of our six-week series on nonprofits included in the Monterey County Gives! campaign. She tells of an idea that began in Venezuela in 1974, when an instructor brought 11 children to an empty—presumably—parking garage, hoping to give them the gift of music, and much more.
The “more” is, as Jiménez puts it, that “empowering young people in disadvantaged communities to thrive in arts and culture can lead to positive social change.” That’s powerful, especially when you consider that YOSAL music programs currently have more than 200 students from local schools. Another 150 or so are on a waiting list.
YOSAL is seeking funds to expand a teaching fellowship program. Our stubbornness as a nation when it comes to providing public support for those in need aside, it is inspiring that so many people in Monterey County willingly step in to help. YOSAL has 11 paid staff and 35 volunteers.
Our MC Gives! feature stories run from late November through the last issue of December each year. This time around, staff writer Pam Marino introduced Jerry’s Place, providing a refuge for hospice patients. Agata Popęda explored some of the programs offered by the Carmel Public Library Foundation. And there was a piece on UnChained, a program that brings at-risk youth together with shelter dogs, with a goal of helping both (that one was written by me).
There are two more features coming before the close of the year, one on Digital NEST, the other looking at Landwatch. Each of the nonprofits are part of the 206 included in the MC Gives! fundraising campaign. And all 206 need donations to continue their efforts toward youth, animals, the elderly, the environment, homelessness, drug abuse and so much more. If you are unfamiliar, you can find out more here. The campaign ends on Dec. 31.
Maybe one day I will encourage someone else—writers are notoriously bad at math—to count the number of volunteers who devote time to the 206 nonprofits (and note that there are many other organizations not involved in the campaign). Meals on Wheels, which covers both the Peninsula and the Salinas Valley, runs on almost 650 volunteers.
Again, it’s both inspiring and impressive. And each year at the Weekly we look forward to introducing a few more in our MC Gives! feature series. Some nonprofits are well known. Before I called them, I had never heard of UnChained. It’s a cool program.
If you can, give one or more of them your support. The YOSAL concert is just one of the rewards.