Sponsored by the American Bar Association Spouses

The key to the recovery of New Orleans lies in the spirit of its citizens. Today, it is clear that those returning to the city have a strong, abiding faith in the inherent value of this extraordinary community that has been tested to its limits. Can it rebuild and recover its vitality and soul? The answer is yes, and one of the key ways that the community can heal itself is through its own rich tradition of music.

At the Sophie B. Wright School in New Orleans, Louisiana, April 2006. Left to right, Paul Batiste (band director), Sharon Clark (principal), Edward Williams (6th grade student), Michael S. Greco, (President of the American Bar Association).

We, the spouses of the ABA, are designing a program to help facilitate this rebirth. Youngsters in the public schools desperately need instruments to enable them to learn and foster their unique cultural heritage rooted in jazz and blues music. Although jazz grew up in a thousand places, it was born in New Orleans. For this reason, providing instruments to the youth of New Orleans will play an essential role in the preservation of an American musical art form that enriches the entire country, and the world.

You have an opportunity to make a difference by making a tax-deductible donation of used/new instruments or money to the "Let's March On" project. The three options are given below. The Tipitina's Foundation has generously offered to help facilitate the donations. Please join us in this effort. We look forward to seeing the Sophie B. Wright School Marching Band in the Mardi Gras Parade next February. "I'm going to make you proud," says tuba player Edward Williams of the Sophie B. Wright School.

-- Dianne Dunn Greco, spouse of Michael S. Greco, ABA President

How Can You Help?

	Making on online purchase of new instruments. The Foundation has created a list of needed musical equipment from which you may purchase and donate instruments using a credit card.
	Donating quality used instruments, fully restored and shipped to the Tipitina's Foundation (c/o 4040 Tulane Avenue, Suite 8000, New Orleans, LA 70119) with "Let's March On" clearly marked.
	Donating to the Tipitina's Foundation fund for purchasing new musical instruments. You may donate funds online with a credit card or mail a check to the Tipitina's Foundation at c/o 4040 Tulane Avenue, Suite 8000, New Orleans, LA 70119. Be sure to write "Let's March On" on your check.

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