Barry Manilow Of Woodland Hills Donates $100k To LAUSD For Instruments

Okay, people make fun of Barry Manilow but I’ll tell you what – I’m a fan! Manilow, who is apparently a resident of Woodland Hills, donated $100,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the purchase of instruments.  That rocks – pardon the pun!

Examiner.com writes:

Legendary vocalist Barry Manilow has donated $100,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District, and is touted on the LAUSD website for his generosity. In a front page greeting titled ‘Thank you Mr. Manilow’, Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines thanks Mr. Manilow for the donation, which will go to purchase “clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trumpets, trombones and other instruments”.

Manilow, of Woodland Hills CA, made news among Ron Paul supporters when it was noted that he donated $2300 to Ron Paul’s presidential campaign in 2007. Manilow also donated to four Democractic presidential contenders Obama, Clinton, Biden and Edwards.

Cortines notes on the LAUSD website that Manilow “is determined to make sure that our students continue to receive that kind of instruction despite round after round of state budget cuts”.

From the LAUSD site:

Thank You Mr. Manilow

One of my favorite Barry Manilow songs is “Can’t Smile Without You.” Thanks to his generosity, many of our students will be smiling when they receive new clarinets, flutes, saxophones, trumpets, trombones and other instruments his foundation, The Manilow Music Project, is donating to the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Barry Manilow remembers how music education changed his life in school. He is determined to make sure that our students continue to receive that kind of instruction despite round after round of state budget cuts.  A special, first-ever solo concert Barry Manilow performed Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Hollywood Bowl raised $100,000, along with the GRAMMY Foundation, for music instruments for LAUSD students.

I joined my old friend Barry Manilow on stage where he presented me with a $100,000 check. Music reduces dropout rates and increases graduation rates in Los Angeles as soon as you put an instrument in a student’s hand. Music and the arts are essential for a well-rounded education.

Thank you Barry Manilow for this generous donation on behalf of our students, teachers, administrators and District. Can’t smile without you.

Ramon C. Cortines, Superintendent

While Mandy is a favorite of mine, this is for you, Mr. Cortines:

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