TESTIMONIALS FROM PARENTS

I was so impressed on Friday night....not only with the band talent, but the CF presentation and all of the original songs. It gave me a terrific feeling to be a very small part in what you are teaching these kids. A couple of my son's friends came to the concert and one in particular couldn't stop talking about the kids with CF who performed and their original music with their own personal messages. Thanks so much for all you do to make this organization such a success.
-- L.C.

Just wanted to thank you for another terrific experience with Plugged In. The concert Friday went beautifully, and the tie-in to the CF benefit was perfect. Thanks for all the incredibly hard work you and Tom and so many others do to make it all happen. You are true heroes in the community. My son is looking forward to continuing with the Plugged In program for a long time to come.
Sincerely,
-- J.S.

I just wanted to say thank you for another wonderful Plugged In season for our son. The two of you have had such a huge positive impact on him and this family! He is a much more self-confident and happy individual and we owe a great deal of that to the two of you!! As always, I was thoroughly impressed with the concert and the entire experience. Our son had a good night Friday night!!! And Chad, wow, what an amazing individual!! I know that every child in your program will be a better person just from having the opportunity to experience him and to witness such a kind and giving individual in action.
-- B.M.

Many thanks to you and Tom for once again creating an amazing experience. It amazes me that you and Tom have created a place where, as you say, kids can feel safe to take risks and grow as people, and the results help the larger community as well. I know our daughter has learned so much from her year with Plugged In - not just as a musician, but as a person. She is far more aware of the power of social activism. She feels much more confident and has become more outgoing, less shy. She's also developed a greater appreciation for people of all different backgrounds and abilities; She's always been a great kid as far as generally being kind, but I think that Plugged In has taken it a step further. She has grown even more tolerant and open-minded, and hangs out or talks with people who I don't think she would have been as socially open to before. Music is the common bond with all these Plugged In kids, and they are such a fantastic group. I love the quote on the cover of the 65 Roses program about music being the most powerful form of spiritual expression. You could certainly feel the power of a greater good happening at Ridge Hill on Friday night!
-- L.L.

What a fabulous concert!!!! It was a great introduction for my husband and me to Plugged In. And the money that you raised for Cystic Fibrosis was amazing! I love your organization and am so glad that we "found" you!
-- C.H.

I just wanted to say thanks for all the work you and Tom do for the kids. My son has had a wonderful experience with the plugged in teachers and kids musically but most importantly I feel you've shown the kids how much power they have and how they can make a difference in the world. This is no small accomplishment and I feel he is a better person having been involved in your program.
-- Sincerely, C.D.

We loved the concert! You guys are great! You and Tom work so hard to do so many things - it is wonderful! The original songs, terrific performances, proud teenagers, 6-yr. old singers - it was quite moving & entertaining!
-- D.W.

Thanks so much for all of your support with our son, he has really turned around and is much happier this year. I think Plugged In has played a huge role in that!
-- B.M.

Thank you for following your passions and helping our son follow his. We appreciate all that you do with Plugged In and we look forward to the upcoming concert.
Sincerely,
-- C.G. and P.F.

I have to say again that you two are amazing. Our son is really looking forward to the next session. This experience brought out the activist in him that we never knew was there. Now he really wants to go to Africa.
Thank you,
-- M.S.

Plugged In to me is also a space for kids to get away from the teen angst and move toward a meaningful and self lifting cause! Instead of burying themselves in videos, computers or drugs, they can expend their powerful creative forces on the community. This program has meant a lot to our family. You guys really make a difference.
-- C.K.

I'm writing to thank you for the opportunity you gave Ben this past Spring. Without your generous scholarship Ben would not have had the benefit of a rock band experience. Being in the program has broadened his musical horizons and given him a different sense of himself. Our family has greatly appreciated this gift.

Tom, Ben has loved the occasions when you worked with his group. Your relaxed manner and sense of humor meant a lot to him. I think he looked up to you as a role model.

Thank you both for the unique way in which you contribute to the lives of youth in our local communities.
-- Sincerely, S.W.

Thanks for running a music program, which allows kids to grow and feel empowered with their music and providing a place for them to enhance their creative and emotional side of music. Plugged In provides kids with a place to feel comfortable, empowered and confident. You provide that for them and we as parents are grateful for your efforts, guidance and support. On the day of the concert, it was like Christmas morning for me when I saw the magic in Sam's eye, the smile on his face, the prance in his step.
-- JP

I want to extend my deepest thanks for all the hard work that you both put into Plugged-In. The concert on Sunday was a wonderful testament to your dedication and hard work. The amount of talent, excitement, and appreciation of kids (young adults!) was nothing short of amazing. It is no small feat to maintain the patience, nurturing, and devotion that produces the musical talent apparent on Sunday, and your 'work' is greatly appreciated. Not only do you infuse the kids with self-confidence, respect for music, and their own diversity, but you manage to 'squeeze in' the lessons of helping others. You guys have really opened a door for my son, in terms of confidence and focus. Your program has been the impetus I was looking for, an open, innovative environment that encourages him to express himself musically. These kids have found true mentors in both of you. I am so happy to have found a program like this for my son. We'll definitely be back for the fall program.
Thank you again!
-- LB

You work so hard to create the most supportive environment. My son’s own words are that he feels "like he fits in." It is a huge accomplishment to have created a culture of inclusion for preteens/teens. I am not able to express my respect and gratitude for your unique contributions. To see the older kids mentor the younger ones, the risks the kids feel safe to take, the confidence and sense of community it all inspires is precious.
Thanks for all you do.
-- LB

That was fantastic last night: you pull off nothing short of amazing, and the difference you are making in the lives of kids, and their families - is really huge.
Congratulations -- and thank you.
-- B.W-S.

The Plugged In session was a great experience for our son, and the concert last night was terrific. Thank you for a wonderful program that combines skills, confidence, fun, philanthropy and individualized support for this can-be-challenging age group.
-- C.S

I wanted to let you know how impressed we were with the quality of the music and the overall spirit of the performances at the Regent Theater on Sunday. The Allman Brother's pieces along with some funk was a refreshing blast from the past. I thought it was well organized and very well presented. We are so thankful to you both for the encouragement and support you've given to these kids, and in our case our son, who whenever your names come up, says you're "the coolest!" He's just gone through the most difficult 4 months of his life, and plugged in was one of the things holding him together. You should be very proud of your work and the confidence it brings to these kids. Thanks so much!
-- NV

The concert yesterday was fantastic. Thank you so much for all your time and devotion you give to the kids. They are so lucky to have you and Sandra to encourage them and push them. Thanks again and have a great summer.
-- Sincerely, AC

Once again, you and Tom orchestrated a great event...for all of us. Yesterday was wonderful, and all of the groups were entertaining. I love to see the personality of each group expressing itself - for instance, Fred and Chris's rendition of Super Freak was excellent and they were clearly enjoying it, too. I loved Entropy's eclectic set of songs, and of course, we all hope they stay together. You guys have been great for all those kids, so thanks again.
-- AS

Wow, what a great show!!! It was very inspiring and humbling to see such talented teenagers. Plugged In is a wonderful venue for them to showcase their talents. I'm sorry I didn't find out about it sooner. My son has loved every minute of it.
Thanks so much.
-- SS