Sitting in a quiet room while working on a sewing project, founder Janice O’Toole pondered whether or not she wanted to hold the charity concert she’d previously produced six times since the early 2000s.
“And”, she asked herself, “if I do, who do I want it to benefit?”
She’d been asking herself this question for three weeks when her long time position with a music organization was suddenly over. The answer had been elusive…until this quiet afternoon. Suddenly, as if her favorite “music angels” (RBLW) had spoken to her, the answer was “YES!”
Yes. Janice definitely wanted to hold the concert and she wanted to benefit musicians in a more direct way than by giving to an organization. She wanted to give the proceeds directly to aspiring musicians, be they children or adults. She wanted to help them pay for lessons or attire or dues or instruments or whatever hinders them from fulfilling their musical dreams. Now all young adults, she’d raised four children as a single parent and knew first hand the financial struggle to provide experiences for her children outside of just a roof and food.
As she continued sewing, the room was no longer quiet. Her mind was humming with the excitement of possibility. Janice loves new projects and this was a perfect way for her to use her knowledge and skills, while staying involved in the music and non-profit community. Right there, in the no longer quiet moment, she decided to create a new non-profit. By the end of the day she’d requested an EIN and within 48 hours she’d filed for Washington Incorporation and a Washington business license.
She new that R B L W, her angel inspirations, would be part of the new nonprofit’s name.
R – Jim Reece – a kind, gentle soul who gave generously of his time and vocal talent.
B – John Brewer – an ardent supporter of the arts and dedicated vocalist.
L – Helen Lombard – a funny, true to herself, vocal musician, music was Helen’s joy and lifeblood.
W – Henry Jon Wacker – an inaugural member of the PCS Children’s Choir whose joyful love of music lit up the room.
Janice’s first call was to her long time friend and colleague, Debbie Brudie. Debbie was immediately on board to serve as treasurer for the new venture. Over the next few weeks, Janice talked to other friends who were as enthusiastic as she. Faster than she imagined possible, they had a full board of directors. Their first order of business was to alter the original name which quickly became The RBLW Gift of Music, (tagline: Supporting Musical Dreams). Inspired by RBLWs’ giving natures and their deep love of music, the purpose of the RBLW Gift of Music would be to provide music related financial assistance to aspiring Palouse Region musicians who meet the financial criteria set by the RBLW Gift of Music.
The RBLW Gift of Music became an IRS recognized charity effective April 29, 2024.
We are so excited to support as many musical dreams as possible!
Postscript:
Tragically, only 3 months into the new venture, our dear friend, Debbie Brudie joined the choir of inspirational angels, having lost her battle with leukemia. We miss her terribly.
B² – Debbie Brudie – a power house doer, dedicated member & founder of the Idaho Washington Concert Chorale, awesome volunteer for the Palouse Chorale Society, RBLW Gift of Music’s beloved treasurer.
One Musician at a time…
Supporting Musical Dreams 