Playing For Change Foundation Announces 10th Anniversary Celebrations

In the summer of 2007, South Africa was selected as the nation to establish the first Playing For Change Foundation school, launching the vision of globally linked programs uniting the world through the universal language of music.

In 2017, the global nonprofit organization celebrates its10th Anniversary by embarking on a slate of activities to advance its mission with the goal of raising $1 million to support free music education programs around the world.

The alliance today consists of 14 music schools and programs have been created in Bangladesh, Brazil, Ghana, Mali, Nepal, Rwanda, South Africa, Morocco, Mexico, Argentina and Thailand. More than 1,200 young people attend free classes in dance, instruments, languages and musical theory, all taught by qualified local teachers.

A newly elected officers of the Board of Directors brings the anniversary year expertise across the music and philanthropic spectrum: Whitney Kroenke, president and PFC co-founder, Gail Leibowitz, vice president, Raan Williams, treasurer and LisaBeth Weber, secretary, serving with board members Mark Johnson, PFC co-founder, Alan Eccel, Greg Johnson, Jessica Estrella Priego, Melissa Torre, Seema Tikare, Ella Windsor, Tom Chauncey, Linda Chauncey, Stacie Freasier and Rasha Said Khawaja.

"Having co-founded the Playing For Change Foundation ten years ago, I am thrilled to be returning in a leadership position with this new and dynamic Board of Directors," Whitney Kroenke said. "Through the development and support of music and arts education, we are excited to continue to spread the message of unity, hope and joy utilizing the universal language of the heart: music."

Among the anniversary-year initiatives is the launch this spring of the innovative Sister-Schools for Change Program, bridging like-spirited schools, several in the United States, with foundation school sites.

On September 23, Playing For Change Day will unite the world in song with hundreds of simultaneously performances in over 50 nations.

An official Presenting Sponsor of PFC Day has been secured in the partnership with nana music, inc., the free application enabling users to share musical experiences worldwide. "The power of music feeds our imagination, stimulates creativity, enriches people's minds and adds harmony to life," said Akinori Fumihara, CEO of nana music, inc. "We want to create the chance to let people all over the world feel this power of music, and that is why we feel greatly honored for this partnership with the PFC Foundation who shares this common vision with us."

The 10th Anniversary celebration includes a Los Angeles-based special event to raise awareness and resources, being planned for the fall, while monthly throughout 2017 the foundation is profiling and highlighting its programs with inspirational testimonials and impactful videos.

Playing For Change Foundation was established in 2007, providing music education in areas that are culturally rich yet economically challenged. Children in countries around the world, from Africa, Latin America to Southeast Asia, attend free classes in music, dance and languages, taught by qualified local music teachers and led by regional administrators. Students learn about their own cultural traditions while employing technology to connect and share experiences with others around the world.

The Playing For Change movement has since attracted hundreds of global artists including Sara Bareilles, Jimmy Buffett, Bono, David Crosby, Jackson Browne, Ziggy Marley, Keb Mo and Keith Richards, in addition to street musicians from 47 countries who have participated in PFC video recordings. http://www.playingforchange.org