Failed Muso: Texas BigBeat

This morning I received a mail via the Yahoo DTXpress group advertising the Texas BigBeat world record attempt and charity fundraiser. Being a drummer, I believe this deserves some promotion, so I'll let them do the explaining....

"Texas BigBeat is a statewide drumming event raising funds to provide educational programs for underprivileged, special needs and at-risk children so that they can create a positive and productive future for themselves. Proceeds from this event will go to Cherish Our Children International (COCI) a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. All contributions will support COCI programs in the greater Houston area. COCI stands for a world in which each child has the opportunity to live life fully and to make their unique contribution. To do this COCI works to develop and fund projects and programs that provide a brighter future for the world's most vulnerable children.

In Houston, Texas COCI supports the No More Victims Program, whose focus is to assist at risk children in preventing the continuing cycle of addiction, abuse, violence and incarceration by providing a safe facility for them to go. By supporting the high school age children they are more able to positively help their younger siblings. No More Victims serves over 800 students at M.D. Smiley High School where nearly 70 percent of the students are economically disadvantaged.

Goals:

· Raise $100,000 for COCI for educational programs that help children develop strong self-esteem, musical abilities and life skills that give them a chance to create a positive and productive future for themselves.

· Gather 550 drummers to play together and create a new Guinness World Record. (Current record is held by Woodstick event in Seattle with 533 drummers.)

· Honor drummers of all ages and all levels for their love of drumming and provide them with an opportunity to have their drumming make a difference in our communities.

· Unite musicians throughout Texas to generate support for educational programs for children.

How You can Make a Difference in the lives of these children:

Sign up as a Texas BigBeat Sponsor. Check out the Sponsorship Opportunities.
Ask your company to sign up as a Texas BigBeat Sponsor.
Register to be a Texas BigBeat drummer and spread the word to other drummers.
Create your own "Personal Fundraising Page" and send emails to friends and family about the opportunity to support your fundraising efforts and/or download a Texas BigBeat Donation form and give your friends, family, co-workers and band members a chance to contribute to the future of underprivileged, special needs and at-risk youth.
Ask your employer to donate matching funds to the Texas BigBeat.

Drummers and non-drummers of all ages and all levels of experience are invited to register as Texas BigBeat participants and to generate contributions for the Houston area educational programs supported by Cherish Our Children International to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged, special needs and at-risk youth.

The Texas BigBeat event is being organized by the Percussion Center, Houston's only specialty drum and percussion store, along with other sponsoring corporations, businesses, associations and non-profit organizations. This event is modeled after the Seattle Woodstick event. Seattle is pleased to have some friendly competition. We know that Texas drummers can do it bigger and better!

This event is about Texas drummers raising money to support children in getting an education that empowers them to create new possibilities for our youth, our families and our communities. Cherish Our Children International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Date: Sunday, October 21, 2007, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Humble Civic Arena, 3 miles east of Intercontinental Airport, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway

Contact Information:

Donna Fisher

Percussion Center

713-468-9100

http://www.texasbigbeat.com

texasbigbeat@percussiononline.com"