The West Orange-based Kool Kids Foundation continues to supply instruments, uniforms and financial aid to New Jersey schools and youth performing arts programs. njmonthly.com reported that the organization, founded in 2011 by the late Sakinah Deborah Bell, aims to ensure classroom access to music education for students across the state.
Following his wife’s death in 2018, Robert “Kool” Bell, frontman of Kool & the Gang, maintained the nonprofit to honor her vision. According to the report, participating schools submit specific music-related needs, which the foundation fulfills by purchasing essential resources. The group operates under the theme “It’s Kool to keep music alive in schools” to advocate for preserving curricula in as many classrooms as possible.
Bell attributes his own musical development to the supportive environment provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Jersey City. The publication notes that the nonprofit has assisted Weequahic and Shabazz high schools in Newark while helping preserve independent music programs in Montclair. Funding for these educational initiatives comes from an annual golf classic, a ladies luncheon honoring women in the arts, and the Le Kool champagne brand. The foundation’s reach extends beyond New Jersey to support youth music efforts in Cuba, Brazil and Curaçao.
For more information, visit njmonthly.com.