Stars Make an Appearance at VH1 Save the Music Foundation 20th Anniversary Gala

On Monday, October 16^th, VH1 Save The Music Foundation held its 20th Anniversary Gala in New York. Queen Latifah, Steve Aoki and DJ Khaled were honored for their work. The nonprofit has spent the last 20 years in renovation and revitalization of public school music programs. Its work also includes supporting the development of music teachers and supplying $53 million for new musical instruments and other resources in more than 2,000 public schools across the country.

This Foundation celebration was joined by Queen Latifah, the award-winning actress, songwriter, singer, and producer, also a Newark, New Jersey, native who was honored for her contribution to music and her work with students who have low-income. The Foundation and Queen Latifah have recently announced a five-year, $5 million effort to rebuilt and recover music education in 38 schools in the city.

“I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the amazing work that VH1 Save The Music does,” Queen Latifah said. “This is bigger than just teaching kids how to play instruments – it’s about using music to bring communities together and giving all children a shot at a brighter future. This work can’t stop until every child can access music programs as part of their education.”

Other honorees included Steve Aoki who received the Music Innovator Award. Aoki, a Grammy Award-nominated DJ and producer, was acknowledged for the impact he’s had on the music industry and his philanthropy and leadership through the Steve Aoki Charitable Fund.

“I’m honored to be here to celebrate VH1 Save The Music’s 20th anniversary,” Steve Aoki said in his acceptance speech. “Thank you for this award. Tremendous work has been done bringing back music programs to students across the country. I’m proud to be included with a group of incredible musicians who give back to their communities. I don’t know where I would be without music. These incredible programs will help build the future of music and I can’t wait to see what the next 20 years of music technology will bring to kids!”

Toyota, which was the event sponsor, presented DJ Khaled with the ToyotaGiving Award for being the champion of music programs in schools and for being the national spokesperson for the VH1 Save the Music sister organization GET SCHOOLED.

A new grant program was also revealed by VH1 Save The Music. This program will expand the area of opportunities for students across the country, and advance the Foundation’s main mission of making music accessible in each and every school in America. This Tech Grant was presented by Steve Aoki. The plan is to invest in American public high schools to fund:  hardware, software, musical instruments that are essential for audio engineering, recording and producing. Alongside this Grant, the Foundation surprised DJ Khaled by announcing that they would partner with GET SCHOOLED, encouraging students to reach their goal, to accomplish success through music.

“Not all children in America are afforded the same chances to succeed, but we believe in the power of music to help students fulfill their potential. That’s why we are more committed than ever to bringing music education to students who need it most,” said Henry Donahue, executive director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. “Not only is music education proven to help students be more successful, but we believe it’s every child’s right to access music and art within their school and community. With the continued support of our partners in communities across the U.S., we can help make music an essential piece of every child’s education in the next 20 years.”

“For three years it’s been a privilege for Toyota to partner with this incredible institution dedicated to providing music education to children, and to honor musicians who give back to their communities,” said Steven Curtis, vice president of media and engagement marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “VH1 Save The Music’s focus on both local action and national advocacy makes music education a real possibility for many students who otherwise would never have access to it and Toyota is proud to support in this mission.”

VH1 Save The Music’s 20th Anniversary Gala was sponsored by The All-New Toyota Camry, Toys R US, IOMAXIS, Lyft, Notable Wines, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, ALEX AND ANI, Heineken, Raymond Weil, Moxy Times Square and JetBlue.