Debbie (Leib) Painter's MFE Fundraising Page

Scroll down to read why MFE is so deserving of your support!

As many of you know, I’m a proud supporter of Music For Everyone because I believe music is much more than music. It builds reading, math, and science skills, strengthens communities, and truly helps hold our schools together. That’s why I’ve committed to being a fundraiser for MFE during this year’s Extra Give.

If you believe, like I do, in the power of music, please consider an investment in Music For Everyone during the Extraordinary Give on Friday, Nov. 21st! Your support will be music to my ears, and I’m grateful you’d consider MFE among the many wonderful organizations in our community.

My Journey to MFE

Music has been an important part of my life from the very beginning. I owe that almost entirely to my dad, who was a music teacher and band director for 35 years. Growing up, music was everywhere—listening to records as a family, singing together, playing “name that tune,” cheering at football halftime shows, and marching behind my dad’s band dreaming of being in a marching band someday.

I started piano and flute in elementary school and was in marching band, concert band, orchestra, and chorus in high school. Even though our program was small, my teachers were amazing, and I wasn’t ready for the music to stop after graduation.

My best friend (also a band director’s daughter!) and I went to Shippensburg University and joined the Red Raider Marching Band. What an experience! We performed at RFK Stadium, traveled to New Orleans, marched in the Cherry Blossom Parade, and played at countless games and events. Some of my best memories and lifelong friendships were made in SUMB.

After college, though, making music slipped away. Moving to Texas, starting my teaching career, and getting married kept life busy. I still listened to tons of music (thank you, BMG and Columbia House!), but I wasn’t making music anymore.

Fast forward a few years: my close friends know I’ve always dreamed of being a rock star. Guitar Hero on Nintendo—yes, seriously—rekindled that spark. Pretending to play guitar finally made me realize how much I needed music back in my life.

I tried guitar and bass without much success, but everything changed when I discovered the ukulele. I took a six-week class at a local church and was hooked by week one. When the class ended, I knew I needed to keep playing with others. A Google search for “ukulele groups in Lancaster County” led me to Ukulele Uprising.

I was SO nervous attending for the first time—city parking, not knowing anyone, barely able to play basic chords, and absolutely unable to play and sing at the same time! But the members of Ukulele Uprising welcomed me immediately. I learned so much just by being around these gracious, talented people. This month marks my nine-year UU anniversary, and while I’m far from an expert, it is pure fun and one of the things I enjoy most in life!  Many members have become close friends, and I’m incredibly grateful to make music with them.

One of the very best parts of being in Ukulele Uprising is that we are part of Music For Everyone. I’m not a music teacher, but as an educator I KNOW how critical it is to have and keep music in our schools. MFE ensures Lancaster County students have access to musical experiences—from scholarships and in-school programs to summer camps, instrument grants, and repairs. I love knowing that when UU earns money from gigs and events, it goes directly to supporting MFE.

Music touches all our lives—in the car, during the holidays, hearing live music, or listening to those songs from high school and college that instantly take us back. Imagine a life without it! Even in tough times, we must keep music alive for everyone—young and old—so those rock-star dreams can live on and our communities stay vibrant.

I humbly ask you to consider a donation, big or small, to Music For Everyone. Funds raised during the Extraordinary Give can go even further thanks to local prizes and incentives. Your support truly makes a difference!

Thank you for reading my MFE story (novel?!), and thank you for considering a gift. ROCK ON!! 🎸😊