Laguna Beach Restaurant Fundraiser Hits $150K for Music
A single evening at The Drake restaurant just raised $150,000 to bring music education to students who need it most. The nonprofit has now helped more than 17,000 local students access instruments and instruction since 2021.
When Alec Glasser learned to play saxophone in public school, it changed his life. Now the restaurateur is making sure thousands of other kids get that same chance.
The Drake Gives held its sixth annual fundraiser at The Drake restaurant in Laguna Beach, raising $150,000 for music education programs. The event brought the nonprofit's total to more than $900,000 since launching in 2021.
The money goes directly to students at underserved public schools who lack access to music instruction and instruments. So far, over 17,000 local students have received support from the program.
The evening featured performances by students from Savanna High School, showing guests exactly what their donations make possible. Chef Paul Gstrein provided the food while live music filled the restaurant.
Parents Elena and Keith Carraby shared how the program transformed their son's life. Their story reminded everyone in the room why music education matters beyond just learning notes and rhythms.
The Ripple Effect
Glasser founded The Drake Gives after remembering his own experience with music in public school. What started as one restaurant owner's gratitude has grown into a movement approaching its million-dollar milestone.
The program doesn't just hand out instruments. It provides ongoing instruction, creating sustainable access to music education in communities where budget cuts often eliminate arts programs first.
Every student who gets to join band or orchestra because of this funding represents a kid who might discover a lifelong passion. Some will become professional musicians, but all will carry the confidence and creativity that music education builds.
The fundraiser proved that combining great food, live music, and community support creates something bigger than the sum of its parts. Guests didn't just donate money. They became part of breaking down barriers to arts education.
As The Drake Gives approaches $1 million raised, Glasser is already thinking about scaling up. More students, more schools, more kids discovering what music can unlock in their lives.
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This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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