No man is so tall as when he stoops to help a child.
Abraham Lincoln
This quote came to mind when I heard news about Barry Manilow’s latest profound generosity in donating five flatbed trucks of musical instruments to Clark County schools in Nevada on Thursday, October 7th.
In a ceremony at Valley High School in Nevada, Barry Manilow will make an “Unprecedented Donation of Instruments from Manilow Music Project to Clark County School District” it’s the “largest in music program history”
Sharing his love of music and taking the opportunity to bring that joy to the life of a child is one of most beautiful and precious gifts Barry could give. Because he’s never forgotten how important music was to him as a student, 600 middle and high school students in the district, who otherwise would not be able to participate in the music program, will now have instruments.
I can’t find appropriate words to describe how enormously proud I am of Barry. As Robin Leach stated “It’s another extraordinary — and mammoth — act of generosity…”
One of Barry’s most endearing qualities in all of this is his constant humility. He truly exemplifies paying it forward without clatter without expectation of recognition. It is strictly a gift of love in doing what he can for kids in a time of great need in public schools.
I hope to be in Vegas on Thursday to witness this momentous and historic occasion - I missed his 2008 presentation of instruments to schools in Palm Springs, CA by just a few days - It will be an honor to join in giving well deserved applause to the dynamic man Barry Manilow is. Not only when he’s on stage sharing his musical genius, but as he shares the gorgeous heart of the man behind the music. It will be awe-inspiring to feel the joy I know will be forthcoming from those who will benefit.
Bravo Barry and thank you for all you do; you are a tall man indeed, indisputably one in a million!