In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, Laura Marchisotto Bogart, pianist, teacher and director of independent music studio, Piano Partner McLean, Virginia, challenged her piano students, aged 5 through 12 years, to participate in a Practice-a-thon to fund assistance efforts.

Students took part in a Practice-a-thon by asking their family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances to sponsor their piano practice by pledging money for each hour practiced.  Students kept a chart of donors, money pledged per hour of practice and total number of hours practiced.  They then collected, consolidated and contributed all donations to a charity.  The desire to raise money for those in need benefits students by increasing the number of hours practiced! 

The music studio’s Practice-a-thon took place during the 4 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas and its 17 students raised a total of $825.00 for the Red Cross Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Assistance Program! 

Ms. Marchisotto Bogart, who grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey and whose family was directly affected by Hurricane Sandy, is pleased that the young piano students in her studio have responded so eagerly and creatively to the Hurricane Sandy Assistance Relief Program.  She is delighted that students realize that their generosity makes such a big difference to those in need.  Collective efforts such as the Practice-a-thon motivate individuals to maximize their contributions to worthy causes.