Mike Huckabee Donates Musical Instruments to NY-Area Kids Through NAMM Foundation's Wanna Play Fund

Mike Huckabee continued to make good on his promise to fill kids' lives with music today as the national spokesperson for the NAMM Foundation's Wanna Play Fund as he donated new musical instruments to several New York-area youths at his FOX News studios today.  The kids were selected by the NAMM Foundation in conjunction with the VH1 Save the Music Foundation after they sent in letters containing inspiring stories about how much they love music and wish they could play with their own instruments.

The NAMM Foundation launched its non-profit Wanna Play Fund last September on “Huckabee." The Wanna Play Fund seeks public donations to support programs and activities that strengthen music education in schools and provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn to play music.  The instrument donation was made possible through funds raised by auctioning autographed guitars and art by featured musicians and artists that appeared with Gov. Huckabee on his weekend program on FOX News in addition to cash donations to the Fund by private individuals.

"I've always said the music helps kids achieve their full potential," said Huckabee.  "And I know that these instruments we're giving here today will inspire and help these wonderful children be the best they can be in school and in life for many years to come."

The following excerpts are from some of the letters from the kids about their passion for playing music and need for musical instruments:

"...And then I asked my mother for a trumpet. I wanted one really badly, but my mom said “I can’t afford it."  I was really hurt because I wanted a trumpet to share with others.  So people's hearts will be filled with my music."  Areisha, age 10.

"My passion is music, specifically playing the Alto Saxophone.  In the summer it is hard to get access to an instrument, also my parents can’t seem to afford a saxophone at this moment however, it is hard to except that when I’m so devoted to music." Amber, age 10.

The Wanna Play Fund stems from a national public awareness campaign called Wanna Play? created by NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, to educate people of all ages about the many social and wellness benefits of making music. More than 85 celebrities currently support the campaign, including Gov. Huckabee, Gary Sinise, Isaac Slade, Sara Bareilles, Robert Downey Jr., and John Legend. Wanna Play? celebrities include actors, authors, musicians, sports figures, executives, politicians and personalities who play a musical instrument.

For more information about the Wanna Play? campaign and how to get started playing an instrument, visit www.wannaplaymusic.com.

Gov. Huckabee, an avid guitarist and bass player since childhood, is a national advocate for the powerful role music plays in learning and his program regularly features celebrity musical guests. He can also be heard providing insightful commentary on more than 500 radio stations daily delivering "The Huckabee Report."

To donate to the NAMM Foundation's Wanna Play Fund or learn about special online fundraising activities, visit www.nammfoundation.org. All contributions to the Wanna Play Fund are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Fund donors can elect to receive regular e-mail updates highlighting current activities directly from the NAMM Foundation. For more information about the NAMM Foundation's Wanna Play Fund, visit www.nammfoundation.org or send an e-mail to info@nammfoundation.org.