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PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten - Island Gems Charity Foundation continued its commitment to children and music with a recent donation to Dow Musical Foundation’s steel pan school. The school received several pans made in Trinidad, the birthplace of steel pan.

  Dow and several students from the school had shared their musical talents at Island Gems’ 2015 annual costume gala, themed “Creole Night,” in Captain Oliver’s restaurant. Their music welcomed attendees and helped to set the mood for the night.

  “Playing an instrument and learning to read and write music have a profound impact on young lives. The benefits of a musical school like Dow’s cannot be highlighted enough,” said Alita Singh, president of the all-women Island Gems.

  Singh along with fellow Island Gems Jody Rosen, Asha Stevens, and Hanisha Alwani recently visite the school located behind Figros on A. Th. Illidge Road. They observed a class in session and commended York on his determination to promote music and share his skills. 

  Pupils from all schools under the Catholic and Protestant School Board take regular classes with York at the school. The pupils recently played in the march to make Catholic Schools Week.

  The island’s oldest charity organization has, over the years, supported other musical ventures. The key for Island Gems is any donation must have a long-term impact on the people on the frontline and must help more than one set of individuals as these steel pans will do. The pans are sturdy enough to last for quite some time and play a major role in the musical education of quite a number of children, according to Island Gems.

  Money for the steel pans, totalling some US $2,500, and other Island Gems supported projects is raised the Foundation’s annual gala. All proceeds are poured back into social and educational projects on both sides of the islands. This year’s gala is set for Saturday, April 2, in Captain Oliver’s restaurant in Oyster Bay. This year’s theme is “… Africa!” Tickets cost US $125 each and are available from all Island Gems members.

  Island Gems do not give money for projects. Projects are reviewed for lasting impact and the Foundation directly purchases needed equipment or pay for services once a project is approved. Projects are only accepted from registered foundations/associations.