Georgia Governor Perdue
On December 1, Governor Sonny Perdue met with pawnbrokers from around the state to take part in the National Pawnbrokers Association’s Musical Instrument Gift Day. At least 8 Georgia pawn shop owners pledged over 70 instruments to donate to the Charles R. Drew Charter School. Governor Perdue selected the school at an event in his office with students, faculty and members of the local businesses making the donations. The school is a part of a successful initiative to redevelop the community of East Lake and will use the musical instruments to build a strong music program. Georgia native Dave Adelman, former President of the National Pawnbrokers Association, spear-headed the effort with the Governor.
This effort is part of a larger program held in honor of St. Nicholas Day – Patron Saint of Pawnbroking - and National Pawnbrokers Day, December 6. Pawn shops across the country are organizing donation drives to supply badly needed musical instruments to local charity organizations and schools who, due to drastic budget cuts in state education funds, can’t supply enough instruments to form a small band. Businesses in Warner Robins, LaGrange, Conyers, Kingsland, Norcross, Fort Valley and Macon took part in Gift Day donations. Pawn shops traditionally have a history of donating musical instruments and awarding scholarships to support the young members of their communities. For more information on this effort, visit www.GiftDay.org.
Studies show the importance of music education in the development of a child’s mind. According to the College Entrance Examination Board, students in music appreciation score 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math when they take the SAT. Dave Crume, President of the National Pawnbrokers Association, stresses the importance of reaching out to the community to support education. “It’s feels great to know that even in difficult times, we can still make a difference.”
The NPA Gift Day is experiencing an enthusiastic reception from its constituents nationwide. Pawn store owners from as far as Canada are stepping forward to support this cause. Says Crume, “This is going to change a lot of lives for the better.”
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This effort is part of a larger program held in honor of St. Nicholas Day – Patron Saint of Pawnbroking - and National Pawnbrokers Day, December 6. Pawn shops across the country are organizing donation drives to supply badly needed musical instruments to local charity organizations and schools who, due to drastic budget cuts in state education funds, can’t supply enough instruments to form a small band. Businesses in Warner Robins, LaGrange, Conyers, Kingsland, Norcross, Fort Valley and Macon took part in Gift Day donations. Pawn shops traditionally have a history of donating musical instruments and awarding scholarships to support the young members of their communities. For more information on this effort, visit www.GiftDay.org.
Studies show the importance of music education in the development of a child’s mind. According to the College Entrance Examination Board, students in music appreciation score 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math when they take the SAT. Dave Crume, President of the National Pawnbrokers Association, stresses the importance of reaching out to the community to support education. “It’s feels great to know that even in difficult times, we can still make a difference.”
The NPA Gift Day is experiencing an enthusiastic reception from its constituents nationwide. Pawn store owners from as far as Canada are stepping forward to support this cause. Says Crume, “This is going to change a lot of lives for the better.”
High Resolution:
Low Resolution: