Listening Audience Provides Generous Band Aid for Music Students

Gina Vanidas felt she needed outside help when she asked local businesses for cash donations to help her needy band students buy instruments.

But when only one business responded, the doctor of love stepped in.

Radio personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger heard the plea and donated 26 instruments to the Buena Park School District, where Vanidas teaches music and directs the band program in each of the elementary schools.

Schlessinger, who is broadcast on KFI-AM (640) and is the No. 1-rated radio talk show host in the nation, asked her listeners to help by sending in musical instruments.

The donation was the first official act of the Dr. Laura Schlessinger Foundation, formed to help groups and organizations reach goals she advocates.

“Rather than simply writing checks, I want to work with others to provide practical solutions to pressing problems, especially those faced by children and families,” Schlessinger said.

The district had a reception for her and the students Thursday to celebrate the donations.

Vanidas said now that Schlessinger has donated instruments, students who attended rehearsals but didn’t have their own instruments will be able to participate in the band.