PLAY IT FORWARD GALA 2026 RAISES OVER $367K
(SEATTLE, WA – April 30, 2026) — Music Aid Northwest (MANW) broke its fundraising goal Saturday night during its Play it Forward gala , raising over $367,000 for underserved school music programs across Washington State.
“Raising this much in a single evening is incredibly powerful,” said co-founder Bob Tomberg, “It means thousands more students across Washington will have access to music programs that inspire confidence, creativity, and connection. We’re deeply grateful to a community that continues to show up for music education in such a meaningful way.”
“When we started Music Aid Northwest, we believed in the transformative power of music for young people,” added Shelley Tomberg, co-founder of Music Aid Northwest. “This weekend’s incredible milestone reinforces that belief and fuels our commitment to keep expanding access so every student can experience the lifelong benefits of music education.”
Donations directly benefit hundreds of students each year by ensuring their school’s music programs are adequately funded. At a time when school programs are facing cuts, these funds will help ensure that students, regardless of where they live, have access to the instruments, instruction, and opportunities they deserve and need to flourish.
During this year’s Play It Forward gala, Music Aid Northwest also proudly presented the 8th Annual Washington Music Icon Award, which goes to an individual who works to build and support the music community. This year’s winner was Josh LaBelle, Executive Director of Seattle Theatre Group. Mr. LaBelle accepted the honor during the evening, saying how honored he was to be a part of this celebration. “Music has been a part of my life since childhood, and I’m honored to accept this award and all it means for music education everywhere.”
Not only did Play it Forward achieve a landmark fundraising total, but the event also brought the state’s music community together for a night of connection, celebration, and hope for the future. “As a teacher who has benefited from Music Aid NW grants, I can personally attest to the very real and tangible impact that generosity has in our classrooms. We’ve always had to advocate and fight for funding in music education, and to see such wholehearted support was deeply affirming,” said attendee and music educator Lesley Moffat.
Music Aid Northwest is deeply grateful for the individuals and sponsors whose support makes programs like Play it Forward possible and whose contributions empower and strengthen music education in Washington state. With another successful benefit in the books, Music Aid Northwest is poised to continue championing the importance of music in classrooms for years to come.
Learn more at www.musicaidnorthwest.org
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For media inquiries or interview requests, contact: Lee Keller (lee@thekellergroup.com) and Lucy Brazie (lucy@thekellergroup.com)
About Music Aid Northwest:
Music Aid Northwest is a nonprofit organization that supports music education in Washington State’s public schools. Harnessing the power of Washington’s strong music community, a group of 100% volunteer fundraisers work year-round to demonstrate that Music Matters in the Northwest. Since its inception, MANW has granted $2.3 million to 400 schools statewide. For more information about Music Aid Northwest, visit www.musicaidnorthwest.org.
