As recovery efforts in Humphreys County approach the three-month mark following devastating flooding that killed 20 and destroyed hundreds of homes, 22-time GRAMMY Award winner Vince Gill and singer/songwriter Alex Hall were on hand at Waverly Central High School earlier this week to announce an uplifting surprise.
As Gill and Hall surprised a Monday morning student assembly with the news, KHS America revealed donation of $100,000 worth of musical instruments to completely replace and upgrade everything that the Waverly high school and junior high school bands lost in the recent flood.
“I’m a small town minded guy. I know what it feels like. This is a place where everybody knows everybody,” Gill shared with “CBS Mornings” host Mark Strassmann, who was on hand in Waverly to document the event. “I often feel like we should be like this all the time. That’s my dream. Let’s not just be kind when somebody’s struggling; let’s just be kind.” Watch the full segment HERE.
“Most people were smiling; I could see the glowing intentions in their eyes,” added seventh grade clarinetist Harmony Sanders, whose family lost her home in the flood. “I think everybody can just be happier now and have less weight on their shoulders.”
KHS America, which was connected with band director Joseph Bullington as well as Gill and Hall via the CMA Foundation, donated over 40 instruments from their brands: Jupiter wind instruments, Majestic concert percussion (including concert toms, a concert bass drum and a concert snare drum, as well as a marimba and a xylophone), three XO Brass professional trombones and a Mapex drum set. Percussion tables and a bell stand from Hercules were also included.
“KHS was founded on the principles of changing lives through music and the knowledge that music and music education are essential to society,” noted Jerry Goldenson, President of KHS America. “Supporting this incredible music program and being a part of this relief effort is something very special that will surely have a positive impact on the lives of young people and the community of Waverly as a whole. It’s an honor to be able to provide even a small bit of assistance.”
The donation offered a moment of hope for a community still rebuilding from the tragedy that struck on August 21, with many residents still displaced from their homes. To contribute to ongoing recovery efforts via the United Way of Humphreys County, text 44321 to TNFLOODRELIEF.
