During the pandemic it was difficult to raise money without “live” shows. We did what we could to perform virtual shows and appeal to supporters but technical difficulties made the shows ineffective and frustrating PLUS it is difficult, to say the least, to entertain an idle camera and empty seats.
Because of our old friend Sherry Carlisle at Miller Piano and her daughter (recently wed Dakota) we did raise some virtual money to support our mission. Long time Coral Reefer band member and music city icon Doyle Grisham helped out with the show where some donations were made online including a very generous one by Tammy’s high school friend Kim Montgomery and her husband Mark. Our Tennessee supporters came through again!
Next we were invited to share the stage in Claypool Indiana with some musical friends at the Someplace Else Saloon… and it was some place else! A packed house including some Papa Jack family members and old faces he hadn’t seen (some since high school) in years made it a special night.
We extend a shout out to Nashville musician Paul Marriner who made the trip from Nashville on his own dime to support the foundation. He and his wife Joy, and some of their Hoosier friends, were in attendance. Paul has been a tireless and constant musical contributor to the foundation the last several years. Moving from guitar to guitar and adding his own vocal talent he added greatly to the performance.
Another shout out to the band “Trainwreck” who donated stage time and a sizable portion of their pay to support the foundation. Greg Horton and fellow band members Wes Blankenship, Chris Elvidge and Troy Stapleton were excellent hosts along with Someplace Else Saloon owners Kenny & Jamie Archer who made Papa Jack and Paul feel welcome to entertain and tell patrons of the saloon about the mission of Matty’s Vision.
Foundation founder Tammy Rugg-Klinefelter who contributed vocally and ran sound for the Miller performance is the CFO of the 501C3 and intends to use the funds from these shows to purchase two Pearl Roadshow drum sets for the Tennessee School for the Blind music department. One full sized set and one for students who, because of growth challenges, need a smaller one. She is waiting on the school to finalize the price before issuing the check.
Tammy and Jack thank all who made these evenings successful! The contributions of many have made it possible for us to continue serving visually impaired students, their schools, teachers and music department’s musical needs.
Information about the foundation, CD’s (including steel guitar icon Hal Rugg's music) and a way to donate to the cause can be found here on our website, mattysvision.com!