Each year, Zumix participates in Boston’s annual Walk for Music fundraiser, which brings music organizations from all over the city together to help raise money for local arts programs.
On Sunday, April 29, kicking off at 12:30 p.m. at 260 Sumner St., Zumix will participate in the annual Walk for Music for the 16th time.
More than 200 participants will march with Zumix parents, staff, and supporters along the Eastie route established three years ago.
In 2015 Zumix changed up the annual walk that use to take Zumix staff, families and participants down and around the Back Bay Fens. As was the case for the past two years, this year’s walk will take participants on a tour of Massport’s pristine parks, including Piers Park, Bremen Street Park, and the city’s Greenway.
According to Zumix Founder and Executive Director Madeleine Steczynski hosting the annual walk in Eastie was a welcomed change.
“We could not be more excited to host the Walk For Music in East Boston for the third year in a row,” said Steczynski. “It’s been an annual staple in our calendar for many years, so to be able to bring the other organizations participating in the Walk For Music to our neighborhood and show off our beautiful green spaces is an honor.”
Steczynski said some walk to keep their music lessons affordable and Zumix group programs free while others walk because Zumix creates opportunities for youth employment and college access.
“But all of us walk because we believe in Zumix and the transformative power of the arts,” she said. “Our goal is to raise $40,000 this year. The Walk for Music is two miles and approximately 4,000 steps, so every step towards our $40,000 goal is $10.”
For Steczynski and the Zumix staff the Walk for Music has become a favorite event.
“It’s this beautiful day where everyone from youth participants, their families, staff, volunteers, mentors, and community members can all rally together to support our programs,” she Steczynski. “Seeing our participants step up to support ZUMIX and fundraise in a very tangible and quantifiable way is super inspiring!”
In addition to being a fun event, the Walk for Music is also Zumix’s largest annual fundraiser and helps to keep their programs free and low-cost for over 1,000 youth. The money will help support programs that Zumix offers like teen programming in songwriting and performance, creative technology, community radio, and instrument instruction.
“I want to thank everyone who supports Zumix by walking and donating,” she said. “By walking with us and fundraising for team Zumix, you’re helping to keep our classes free and low-cost for over 1,000 youth each year. Participants who raise $25 or more will receive a free t-shirt and we encourage you to set a goal of $100 or more for youth or $200 or more for adults.”
Founded in 2003, the Walk for Music allows participating team or music program to keep 100 percent of its pledges to support its local music or performing arts program. The Walk was created as a response to the need for high-quality music programming in schools and communities and attracts organizations from throughout the Greater Boston area for an afternoon of music, celebration, and community.
Walkers will gather at the Zumix Firehouse at 260 Sumner St. at 12:30 p.m. for registration and a pep rally, and begin the walk. Anyone who can’t make it to the morning pep rally or walk can meet the group at 3 p.m. back at the Firehouse for a concert and celebration.
To donate visit www.firstgiving.com/event/zumix/Walk-for-Music-2018 or send a check made out to Zumix to 260 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. To sign up to walk with Zumix, visit the FirstGiving page provided or sign up in person at Zumix.
Zumix was created to empower youth to use music to make strong, positive change in their lives, their communities, and the world. Since its founding in 1991, the program has grown to serve more than 400 young people every year in programs in instrumental instruction, songwriting and performance, community radio, and creative technology. They serve an additional 400 young people per year through in-school partnerships with East Boston High School and the Umana Middle School Academy. The powerful impact of the program is illustrated by the fact that in the past 4 years, 92 percent of its graduates enrolled in college.