Site Logo

Local businesses support Music in Our Schools month

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Students play.

Students play.

Submitted by the Music Advocacy Group.

Three Main Street establishments in Eastsound Village — Darvill’s Bookstore, Pawki’s Pet Store and New Leaf Café — are partnering throughout March to support the Music Advocacy Group in enhancing music education for Orcas Island public school students.

From March 1 through March 31, 10% of every purchase will be donated to MAG when customers present a promotional certificate or show it on their phones at checkout. Printed certificates are available at participating merchants, Orcas Island Public School or the Chamber of Commerce, or virtual certificates can be found online at www.OIMAG.org and @musicadvocacygroup on Instagram.

MAG is dedicated to sustaining and enriching the K-12 music program in Orcas Island schools, ensuring students have access to quality instruments and musical experiences. Recent initiatives include funding new instruments and equipment to replace aging ones, benefiting over 130 students involved in band and strings programs. When community members shop local at these businesses during March, they contribute to the enrichment of the school music program.

“Music education is vital for our students’ development, and community support plays a crucial role in its success,” said MAG Board President Annette van Dongen. “We are grateful to Darvill’s, Pawki’s, and New Leaf Café for their generosity and commitment to our youth. We’re also thrilled to be the beneficiary of this generous business give-back program coordinated by HALO, whose mission is to increase the visibility of Orcas Island’s fine artists and inspire the next generation of artists.”

For more information about the Music Advocacy Group and its efforts or to make a donation, visit www.oimag.org or reach out to info@oimag.org.

MAG is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the music programs of the Orcas Island Public School.