Hi all,

As you may know, Linda and I, along with three others, are on the Board of Support Bonaire, Inc. While we have stock projects (described on our web site), occasionally we get wind of a small and very "doable" project on Bonaire that needs just a little bit of attention.

One of these smaller projects has just come along:
I received a letter from Emma Sint Jago today - she's the head of the Art & Culture Foundation on Bonaire. She's looking to raise money to buy 15 "kuarta" - these are traditional Bonairean string instruments.

These are for young Bonairean kids to learn about their traditional music, with classes being held in the village of Rincon.

Here's the letter itself:

Project Music lesson for children 8 to 15 years at Sentro di Bario Rincon.
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This project really need our attention as the children is very anxious to learn our traditional songs. Since February this year I was looking for some instruments for the children and also musician to help those children. Finally I got two drums (barí) and 5 wiri and they are practicing every Monday and Wednesday, and they already ask when the kuarta players will join them.

I have the application forms filled in by the children and also I have the teachers or musicians already who will help the children. But what we really need now is the music instruments (kuarta).

15 kuarta will cost Nafl. 1072,50 inclusive tax.
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We will use the Rincon Centre to give the lessons.

I will looking forward for your reply and thank you in anticipation,

My cultural regards,

STICHTING VOOR KUNST EN CULTUUR VAN BONAIRE
Foundation for Art and Culture of Bonaire

Emma Sint Jago – President.
Desiree Silberie – Treasurer.

Thanks Jake for posting this information. I just made a donation... Music makes the world go round....

Thanks Jake, Sue and I will make a joint donation as well.

You have another $30 dollars to take off the total from Bob and I.

Thanks folks! Yours, combined with another from a person who didn't post a message above, brings us to only $390 left to raise for this project!

Almost half-way there in half a day!

Jake

And now we're down to $340 left. Keep those donations coming in please!

Jake

Just made a donation for $30 as well, Jake. Great cause. Debbie Babcock

Thanks Debbie!

$310 in donations to go!

Jake

Add (or subtract?) $25.00 from me.

Thanks Kelly!

And I just got word this moment that a pair of Americans with a Foundation have agreed to cover the remaining balance, so WOO-HOO!!!! The kids will get their Quarta instruments!!!

I will be forwarding the names and e-mail addresses of all those who have contributed to Emma (the donation forms you all filled out on the SBI web site indicated it was okay to share your information with the target non-profit). Let me know if you prefer I didn't.

We'll try to get her a check in the next few days.

Thanks again for your help!!!

As soon as I get pictures from Emma with the kids in the music class I'll post them here.

Jake

This kinda stuff makes me get all teary and stuff.... ;) The kids always get to me.

Thanks Jake for spearheading this wonderful cause.

Wonderful News, Jake! Can't wait to see the kids!

I just received pictures of the kids with the kuartas. At right is Emma St. Jago.



Jake

Emma sends her thanks and appreciation again to all that pitched in! (Forgot to mention that :-) )

Jake

Thanks Jake - fantastic job, it's great to see the children and the kuartas.

Thanks for posting the picture, Jake!

Totally awesome!!! let us know when they have a recital!!

OK folks, sorry it took me so long, but the children will be performing aboard the MS Freewinds, Sunday 26th November, at 7:30 PM The price of FL 30,00 includes 1 drink and snacks.
Proceeds from this event are designated to DARE TO CARE.
For more information please contact Rudy ST. Jago at 786-3377
Please watch this site, I will try to keep you all informed as to these local children's events.