A little music does the soul well.
Children at the Boys and Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County have taken full advantage of resources available during the summer for the club’s inaugural guitar class offered by county resident John Bland.
The classes were offered thanks in part to a generous donation of 12 Fender guitars to the facility. Seeing the kids grin ear-to-ear and learning the basic has been a joy, according to the seasoned musician.
“It’s great to see the kids enjoy music,” Bland told the Elizabethton Star.
Response has gone over “very well” for the endeavor, according to the musician, with kids swarming to learn how to strum on the guitar.
Bland added it has been a joy to work alongside Club members during the summer for the endeavor, including Executive Director Ginny Wright.
“There’s so much work that goes on during the summer at the Boys and Girls Club,” he said. “They do such a great job with all the children that attend during the summer.”
Boys and Girls Club staff have been putting the final touches on the last week of summer activities.
With the unveiling going over with high marks, Bland added the goal moving forward is to look at offering the classes during the school year to give children an opportunity to explore the musical side of life.
Boys and Girls staff have been busy in a multitude of activities, including the upcoming Steak ‘n’ Burger event.
Different facilities across the country have utilized these fundraisers as a way to generate funds for the facility while offering the community food — and some hefty fun and entertainment.
This year’s event, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., will feature John Currie, University of Tennessee athletic director and vice chancellor, as the guest speaker. Attendees will dine alongside children at the facility and learn updates, future plans and how the Club is helping in the community. Last year, the local Club was able to raise over $38,000, which went to meals, mentors, college trips, academic support, and character activities to over 500 kids.
Sponsorship and tickets are going quick, so individuals can either visit www.bgcecc.org/steaknburger or call (423) 543-2946 for more information. Updates at the facility can be viewed at the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County Facebook page online.