The body of Thomas Haskins was a day away from being cremated – and his closest kin didn’t even know he was dead.FORT WAYNE – A drive to collect musical instruments for local students is getting a kick-start from a pop icon.
Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is donating a new Yamaha piano to Fort Wayne Community Schools.
“I’m thrilled to be able to help bring the gift of music to these kids,” Manilow said in a prepared statement from the school system.
The drive is one of many that Manilow has launched around the country as part of the Manilow Music Project, an effort that, in part, provides high schools and middle schools with musical instruments.
Anyone who donates a new or gently used instrument will receive two free tickets to Manilow’s April 18 concert at Memorial Coliseum. Until the day of the show, instruments can be dropped off at the arena from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
In the school district’s statement, Superintendent Wendy Robinson showed her appreciation for Manilow’s gift.
“Fort Wayne Community Schools has long been committed to providing quality music programs for our students,” she said. “Our challenge, however, has always been making sure we have enough instruments to provide students with the opportunities they deserve.”
