As part of USA TODAY's 25th anniversary celebration, USA TODAY continues its "Spirit of the USA" 25-week charity program that highlights a different charity each week for 25 weeks.
The program began on March 30th and will continue every Friday through September 14th as USA TODAY thanks America for its support over the past 25 years by saluting the nation's generosity. USA TODAY has selected 25 charities and will celebrate the work of one charity per week for 25 weeks both in print and online via a signature USA TODAY Snapshot as well as on a special 25th anniversary web site on http://www.usatoday.com/.
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America's public schools and raising awareness about the importance of music as a part of each child's complete education. The Foundation does not provide any money to the school or school district. Instead, new musical instruments are purchased to restore programs that have been cut due to budget reductions or are at risk of elimination.
"I am thrilled to join in celebrating ten years of such an amazing organization," said Maria Menounos, West Coast correspondent for NBC News. "The VH1 Save The Music Foundation has mobilized the efforts of celebrities, volunteers and school administrators across the country, touching the lives of over one million children. Fifteen hundred schools later, The Foundation is closing the books on its first decade of success with a Gala celebration in September and I am proud to be hosting such a monumental event."
Readers are encouraged to learn more about the VH1 Save The Music Foundation by viewing the Snapshot on today's front page of USA TODAY and on http://www.usatoday.com/ as well as by visiting http://www.vh1savethemusic.com/.
Other charities scheduled to appear as part of the "Spirit of the USA" program are: National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ducks Unlimited, Goodwill Industries International, Habitat for Humanity International, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and American Red Cross. Big Brothers Big Sisters, Thanks USA, Earth Day Network, NARSAD: The Mental Health Research Association, American Diabetes Association, Hispanic College Fund, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Disabled American Veterans, the Arbor Day Foundation, America's Second Harvest, MusiCares, The Nature Conservancy, The Humane Society of the United States Ronald McDonald House Charities, Hole in the Wall Camps, First Book, Gilda's Club Worldwide and Special Olympics were previously highlighted.
"USA TODAY wanted to find a way to give back to the nation during our 25th anniversary celebration by celebrating causes that are closest to the hearts of Americans. We selected charities that represented a broad range of interests including environment, health, animals, arts, education, human services, and public benefits. We hope our readers will join us in saluting these charities," said Susan Lavington, senior vice president of marketing, USA TODAY.
