Uke’ Can Count On Me

m.a.m.a. earth’s mission is about empowering and inspiring others with art, music and nature.  For the last 5 years, we’ve been bringing our vision to schools, community and senior centers, universities, public and private gardens and more to give others an experience of how GOOD it feels to give. Whether we’re trying to raise money for amazing charities or giving back to young people with lessons about growing food or developing their creativity, it’s our aim to shine a light on communities and organizations that are making a change for the better.

Recently, we were fortunate enough to be able to put the right people together in order to give the K-5th grade students of WISH Charter School a great gift for their music classes.  WISH is a public independent charter school in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).  The WISH mission is to maximize every child’s learning potential within an atmosphere of caring and belonging and they put a big emphasis on music and the arts.

A big part of the WISH curriculum are service learning projects as a way to connect the kids to community experiences, giving students an opportunity to learn in a hands-on way, and to see the difference they are able to make in the world around them.  This Spring, WISH students were involved in choosing individual classroom projects, which included a variety of art projects, environmental activities and fundraisers. Students created cards for patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, participated in cleaning up the Ballona Wetlands, held a lemonade stand fundraiser to purchase books for the Children’s Hospital and worked together to create art which they gave to residents at the Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Playa Vista. Older WISH students in fourth grade teamed up with a film school to make a Public Service Announcement against bullying.  We are so impressed with the dedication and commitment of the WISH teachers, parents and students!

This week, at the WISH talent show, m.a.m.a. earth founder, Kailani Bayot, had the pleasure of presenting 27 ukuleles donated to the school by Fender and Bruno Mars.  Students in many years to come will get to experience the beauty and fun of the ukulele – an instrument that both Kailani and of course, Bruno, hold close to their hearts.  WISH Charter will also be able to auction off a ukelele autographed by Bruno Mars himself in order to raise funds for more school programs.  With the many severe cuts to school budgets in California and elsewhere, the fundraising work of committed parents and teachers is absolutely essential to the success of schools like WISH.

Our thanks to Fender and Bruno Mars for making a change for the better at WISH Charter School.  We are so excited about all the kiddos and the music they will be making!

Comments

5 responses to “Uke’ Can Count On Me”

  1. April McIntyre

    I think that what m.a.m.a. earth is doing is outstanding and amazing. I also have a request my son is 11 years old and at 2 years of age he was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Marfan Syndrome. To look at him he looks perfectly healthy, when in actuality he’s not. His heart is the same size as an adults and due to this illness he will never be able to live a normal childhood life. He has already had surgery due to this illness and had also had a minor heart attack at the age of 9. That was brought on by throwing a football around with his uncle. He is a big fan of Bruno Mars, and I was curious if there was anything that I could do to get him some kind of memorabilia of Bruno Mars, like an autographed picture or CD. It would mean the world to him. It pains me so much to see him go through the things he does. He has been limited by his cardiologist to walking. No running, no jumping on the trampoline, no sports, not even riding a bicycle. So he spends his days in a swimming pool trying to strengthen his muscles, and on the computer playing video games and listening to and learning Bruno Mars songs. I know you probably get a lot of these request and I may be way out of line by asking but as my son always says ” it doesn’t hurt to ask, what’s the most they can do, say yes or no.” If there is any way you could just get back to me and let me know if there’s anything I can do or you can do to make this happen I’d appreciate it. Thank you very much. And once again what m.a.m.a. earth is doing is amazing.

  2. Danielle Busse

    So wonderful, Kailani! A big thanks to you, Fender and Bruno Mars!

  3. Sara Sommer

    Would love to get updates from you, being a parent at WISH and wanting to do good things for the community.

  4. andreaM

    Sara – did you sign up for our newsletter? Also, ‘like us’ on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/4mamaearth) and we’ll keep you posted about current and upcoming events and happenings! Thanks for your support!

  5. andreaM

    Hi April – I have (what will be) a vintage flyer from one of Bruno’s first performances in LA with his autograph that I can send. It has his nephew Jaimo pictured on the flyer but it’s a classic and it’s autographed! Email me at andrea@4m.erdd.us so I can get your address. Thank you for your encouraging words and we wish you and your son the peace and the resolve to live for today and enjoy each and every moment. Life can get tough but all we can do is keep our hearts open and stay grateful! We are so glad to hear that our work resonates with you.

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