When Alex von Furstenberg, director and secretary of The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, visited the Roy W. Roberts, II – Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, he was hoping to learn more about the programs and children. What he found was a cause worthy of a $50,000 gift, which he pledged before heading home that day.
The special gift from The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation will help sustain club facilities and provide support towards the organization’s newly created symphony orchestra program.
"I am a big admirer of what this organization is achieving and I truly enjoyed visiting the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club," said Alex von Furstenberg. "I feel strongly that during these difficult times we should be generous with our time and resources, particularly in areas like this that tend to be ignored for what seems like more urgent issues. Inspiring and enabling young people can’t wait for better times and is a key objective of our foundation."
The $50,000 grant has enabled Watts/Willowbrook to jumpstart its symphony orchestra music program including instruction, appreciation, and access to a diverse array of music. Children will learn to play violins, viola, cellos and bass instruments by teachers trained in "El Sistema," the world-renowned music outreach and education program in Venezuela, the organization said.
"This investment by The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation adds value to our community because it provides hope and opportunity to disadvantaged, underserved youth," said WWBGC’s executive director, Les Jones "As important as it is to help them graduate from high school and go on to college, it is also important to provide them with access to cultural programs to which they have no access at all."
The WWBGC Symphony Orchestra held its first orientation with youth and their parents on December 9, 2009.