LOS ANGELES, Oct. 21, 2011 -- After the most devastating Tornado in the United States in more than fifty years hit Joplin, Missouri this May, bringing hope and joy back to the community became vital.  Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow's non-profit organization, the Manilow Music Project is donating over $300,000 in musical instruments in addition to sponsoring an instrument drive to get even more instruments into the hands of the Joplin High School students. The Manilow Music Project is partnering with local community business Fitterling Dentistry, who will host the drive location in Joplin which will culminate with Barry Manilow onsite for an incredible celebratory delivery and distribution event in Joplin, MO on Thursday, October 27th. 

"I know firsthand how invaluable music can be to get you through life's tough times. It is an honor and a privilege to help these kids after such a disaster," says Manilow.

New and gently used instruments can be dropped off at the Manilow Music Project donation truck at Fitterling Dentistry, located at 4402 East 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804, Monday – Thursday from 8AM – 5PM and on Friday from 8AM – 11AM through October 26th.

Due to the High School's additional loss of all sheet music in the tornado, monetary donations are also encouraged and will be accepted to help re-build the music department's library by purchasing new sheet music for the band, orchestra and vocal students.  Checks can be made out to the JHS Music Department and dropped off or mailed to Fitterling Dentistry.

"As a lifelong fan of Barry Manilow's music and humanitarian efforts, my husband and I are thrilled to work with the Manilow Music Project to help our community," stated Margie Fitterling of Fitterling Dentistry.

Rick Castor, Music Director for Joplin High School concludes, "We feel very blessed to have an artist of Barry Manilow's stature committed to helping our students."

Formed in response to the needs of the local public schools and their severely depleted music programs, the Manilow Music Project highlights the importance of music programs in our schools and has donated millions in instruments and materials to school music programs across the country.  www.manilowmusicproject.org

SOURCE Manilow Music Project

Watch footage of the Manilow Music Project deliver 600 musical instruments to Clark County School District in Las Vegas last year, and a report on the Joplin tornado below: