IN THE UNIFORM world, there are few unfamiliar with Fred J. Miller Inc. FJM is known as the image maker for performing units across the world.
But what is less known is the family's commitment to perpetuating music education.
In August of 2005, Fred and Marlene Miller established the Fred J. Miller Scholarship endowment to support college-bound music majors.
Given the Miller family's rich history with bands and all aspects of pageantry, it is not surprising that the Fred J. Miller Scholarship is reserved for high school seniors planning to pursue a degree in music education.
"By offering this scholarship, it is our way of giving back to the students of today.
It is rewarding for us at FJM to recognize all the hard work, dedication and determination that is devoted to this performing activity," says Mike Miller, Vice President, Fred J. Miller Inc.
Each year, Fred and Marlene Miller bestow a $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding student selected from a band performing at the Bands of America Grand National Championship.
"The return on investment generated by the endowment's principal is used to fund the scholarship," Annie Boehning, Director of Development explained.
"Endowed gifts offer distinct advantages to nonprofit organizations because their lasting impact provides financial stability," she added.
Kevin Kimbrough of Walton High School was named the first Fred J. Miller Scholar.
He is now a music education major at Western Carolina University.
According to Kevin, college is going quite well and he is busy playing trombone.
He was pleased to report that he was selected to perform as the sole trombonist in an ensemble that performed during the fall marching band season.
Christina Paskert received the 2007 FJM scholarship.
She is enjoying the remainder of her senior year at Avon High School in Ohio and preparing for music school auditions at various places including Bowling Green State University and the College of Wooster.
Kevin and Christina extend heartfelt thanks for the scholarships.
In addition to establishing a tradition of philanthropic giving to Music for All, FJM has been a corporate sponsor since 2003 and the Official Uniform Sponsor since 2005.
The uniforms they designed and produced for the BOA Honor Band in the 2005 Rose Parade® were seen worldwide, as they will be when the band performs again in the 2009 parade.
Fred and Marlene Miller also share their time and expertise at Music for All Advisory Board meetings.
Securing the involvement of individuals, corporations, foundations and others through a variety of gifting opportunities is our aim as Music for All continues to provide more music-related programs, information and expertise across the country.
Gifts to Music for All enable us to build a sophisticated fundraising program without diverting our funds committed to our programs and services.
If you would like to learn how your gift can assist us to provide services, opportunities and information to millions of people in the coming months please contact Annie Boehning, Director of Development, at annie.b@musicforall.org or at (317) 524-6236.
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