Fundraiser aims to give Tempe alternative high school a music program

TEMPE, Ariz. (FOX 10) -- Compadre Academy in Tempe is a fast-paced alternative high school, where students can earn credits quickly, and it is also the only school in Tempe without a music program.

That could soon change, as the Tempe Leadership group is planning a fundraiser on Saturday to raise money to bring music to the school.

"Walking into this school meeting these kids and realizing they don't have music there really touched us," said Doreen Garlid.

The goal of the fundraiser at "Fabric" in Tempe is to raise $50,000 to build a stage and instruments.

"To provide instruments, to provide a stage, to provide a production setup, a real outlet for these children to express themselves," said Jesse Fairchild.

To raise money, volunteers are holding a casino night event.

"We're giving them the gift of music through this fundraiser," said Garlid.

Folks can have fun playing blackjack and poker at the event, and help fund this music program at the same time.

"By putting the music room in there, you can bring kids together," said Garlid. "You're gonna provide a safe environment where they can go to, where they can be creative."

"They're excited to have this creative outlet for the children," said Fairchild.

Members of each Tempe Leadership classes pick a different project in the city to support. Their decision to help Compadre Academy build a music room has continued to grow.

"It's gone from just a music room where kids can gather and be creative, to something where they're actually going to have a class," said Garlid.

Mission 4 Music Casino Night