Cal Phil launches Musical Instrument Toy Drive in Pasadena through Dec. 18

Cal Phil Maestro Victor Vener is temporarily trading his conductor’s hat for one of Santa’s. In the spirit of giving and sharing the gift of music with people of all ages, Cal Phil is launching its “BE INSTRUMENTAL” Initiative which was created to enrich children’s lives with the magic of music. Cal Phil will kick off the new campaign with a Musical Instrument Toy Drive benefiting underserved and formerly homeless children who currently reside at Euclid Villa in Pasadena. A Union Station Homeless Services’ program, Euclid Villa provides 14 apartments with supportive services for families transitioning out of homelessness.

CAL PHIL’S “BE INSTRUMENTAL” HOLIDAY HAUL 2011 begins Thursday December 1, 2011 and runs through Sunday December 18, 2011. People are encouraged to drop off or send unwrapped toy instruments and other music themed items to the Cal Phil office located at 400 South Baldwin Avenue, Suite 2160, Arcadia, CA 91007 (at Westfield Santa Anita Shopping Center). For every donation, Cal Phil will reciprocate with a $25.00 gift certificate.



“Cal Phil firmly believes in the power of music in children’s lives and we are stepping up our efforts by launching our “BE INSTRUMENTAL” Initiative which promotes educating and inspiring children through music,” said Vener. “What better way to launch the initiative than with CAL PHIL’S “BE INSTRUMENTAL” HOLIDAY HAUL 2011. Cal Phil will collect the gifts and personally deliver them to deserving children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to be exposed to music in a tangible way.”



“By creating this event, we are encouraging people to join our efforts and BE INSTRUMENTAL in bringing music into the lives of children of all ages,” continued Vener. “We are thrilled to share the gift of music this year with the children at Euclid Villa, whose families are transitioning out of homelessness.”



Currently there are children ranging from one year old to 18 years old living at Euclid Villa that Cal Phil will present with the donated gifts.



“Union Station Homeless Services is excited and appreciative that children residing at Euclid Villa will be recipients of Cal Phil’s Be Instrumental Holiday Haul this year,” said Rabbi Marv Gross, Union Station Homeless Services CEO. “We provide a comprehensive range of services to help homeless families become self-sufficient and gain the skills, stability and confidence they need to secure permanent housing. The gift of music to less fortunate children will undoubtedly enhance their holidays and in most cases their lives.”

Cal Phil plans to continue the “BE INSTRUMENTAL” campaign year-round as is evident with the highly-anticipated Cal Phil 2012 Festival on the Green concert series. Taking place Saturday evenings on the renovated plush infield of Santa Anita Park, the concerts begin at 7:30pm with pre-concert family friendly activities including pony rides, a musical instrument petting zoo and playground for the kids beginning at 5:30pm.

Go to www.calphil.org for more information.