Pledge from the Alexander von Furstenberg and The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation brings music programming to the Roy W. Roberts, II – Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club
Roy W. Roberts, II – Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club (WWBGC) is pleased to announce a special gift from The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation that will help sustain Club facilities and provide support towards the organization’s newly created Symphony Orchestra program.
Alexander von Furstenberg, Director and Secretary of The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, met with WWBGC’s Executive Director Les Jones in September to learn more about the organization and the youth that it serves. He made a $50,000 commitment to improving the Los Angeles Club before he left the grounds.
“I am a big admirer of what this organization is achieving and I truly enjoyed visiting the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club” said Alex von Furstenberg. “I feel strongly that during these difficult times we should be generous with our time and resources, particularly in areas like this that tend to be ignored for what seems like more urgent issues. Inspiring and enabling young people can’t wait for better times and is a key objective of our Foundation.”
Responded Les Jones, “This investment by The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation adds value to our community because it provides hope and opportunity to disadvantaged, underserved youth. We address the emotional, intellectual, social and physical needs of each of our members so they grow beyond high school to become productive and responsible citizens. As important as it is to help them graduate from high school and go on to college, it is also important to provide them with access to cultural programs to which they have no access at all.”
This $50,000 grant will enable Watts/Willowbrook to jumpstart their Symphony Orchestra music program which will include instruction, appreciation, and access to a diverse array of music. Children will learn to play violins, viola, cellos and bass instruments by teachers trained in “El Sistema,” the world-renowned music outreach and education program in Venezuela.
The WWBGC Symphony Orchestra held its first orientation with youth and their parents on December 9, 2009.