We’re excited to share that there is a new way to participate in this beautiful ecosystem of ACG.
You’ve probably heard of vehicle donations on public radio and TV. It’s a simple and supported process. Our partner will pick up the vehicle, give you a tax-deductible donation receipt, and then convert your gift into a contribution to ACG that will help us make the musical magic we make all year long. Here’s how:
This month we received a generous gift in the form of a vehicle donation from one of our long-time volunteers, Pietro, and we could not be more grateful for his consistent support and deep friendship.
Pietro has been a volunteer with us since 2011! That’s 15 years. He met us through an intro guitar class he was taking at ACC and the rest was history,
“I was taking an Intro to Guitar class at ACC, NRG campus. My instructor, Kim Perlak, who was working with ACG, made an announcement that ACG was looking for volunteers to help with the grand opening of the new City Limits Performance Center downtown. Jorge Caballero was playing “Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” along with a display of artwork. I’ve enjoyed volunteering with different organizations over the years. Here was a new experience with music I liked; and a free performance! So I made contact.
After that, I was hooked. In those early days, ACG performances were hosted at church venues, with seating always a challenge with pews. People like their space, and seating was close quarters, but we had great participants who got shoulder to shoulder. And I still recognize some of those patrons.
Highlights for me back then were special performances hosted by ACG supporters in their homes along with a catered buffet. (Will volunteer for food!) Something of a precursor to the Rosette venue in size. Before then however was the move to the AISD Performing Arts Center and actual assigned seating! So, it was ushering, parking attendant, program stuffing, furniture moving, chair setup, take down, cleanup, and “other duties as assigned,” along of course, with great music. Now too, a weekly visit to the garden at Baker Street.”
15 years is a long time to be involved with a community, Pietro shares what inspires him to continue being part of the ACG family,
“Music, in its many aspects. In high school, I was part of an 80 voice A Capella choir which had a fine reputation and traveled to different areas to perform. These were my growing up years in the midst of personal challenges. Making music with peers that others could enjoy provided an anchor for me, and important social interactions. I can appreciate and resonate with the testimonials of students who have been part of ACG’s educational efforts.
For me, there is an important healing aspect to my music experiences which I see manifesting through ACG’s growth and expansion. This was again reinforced with my recent attendance at the Williamson County Juvenile Center. For me, ACG has become much more than a non-profit with a focus on classical guitar.
I have to say too, that ACG has what I call a “chemistry” of people and purpose that continues to express itself in its service and mission to others, and I enjoy contributing to that in time and energy, along with a great bunch of volunteers.”
Just earlier this month, Pietro gifted his old Ford Ranger to us as part of our new vehicle donation program! He shares,
“I vacillated between fixing it, selling it, and donating it for a couple of years. I was becoming less ambitious about getting under my Ford Ranger and pulling out the starter again.
Recently I saw online that ACG was participating in a vehicle donor program, and that helped me make up my mind.
The process was simple. I knew I would need my registration but I couldn’t find my copy. I filled out the Application for a Certified Copy online here and mailed it off with a $2 check. I got it in the mail last week and went to the ACG link and submitted it online. Having the title in front of you makes filling out the form easy.
I was contacted the next day by the main organization which is in California. Information was reviewed and I was to be contacted for pickup by a local tow company.
Today I followed up with the org and they gave me a contact number. I had given them my landline for contact expecting a call, and they were texting! Now they have my cellphone number and will schedule a pickup June 4 or 5.
Do not sign your title until the tow folks arrive.”
Everything we do here at ACG is accomplished in partnership together. It takes the support of friends like you who believe in the power of music and kindness to make positive change in the world.
We are grateful every day for the chances we have to share beauty with friends like you at The Rosette, and in classrooms, shelters, and hospitals all across our community and beyond.
Thank you so much