This fundraising campaign is brought to life by two of Be The Change Youth Initiative’s Student Ambassadors of Change, E and Andrei, who share a deep passion for music and art. Andrei created the cover photo for this campaign, while E is a proud member of the Red Bank High School Marching Band. Inspired by their creativity and love for the arts, we invited them to help advocate for music initiatives that strengthens community connections and creates opportunities for young people.

Over the past year, Be The Change Youth Initiative has partnered with Becaffeinated’s Giveback Program to support local nonprofits making a meaningful difference in our communities. One of these organizations is Restring Appalachia, whose mission is to preserve the living traditions of American roots music by supporting musicians, protecting cultural heritage, and sharing the stories that connect communities across generations. Through instrument replacement, educational programming, and documentary storytelling, Restring Appalachia helps ensure that the music, and the people who carry it forward, continue to thrive.

As we learned more about E and Andrei’s passions, we recognized an opportunity to bring together two causes that reflect the power of music and art: preserving our musical heritage and investing in the next generation of musicians. Both are essential to keeping music alive, accessible, and meaningful in our communities.

That’s why proceeds from this fundraising campaign will be split between Restring Appalachia and the Red Bank High School Marching Band.

We believe art and music transcend barriers, inspire creativity, foster healing, and create spaces where people, especially young people, can feel connected and supported.

Why Your Support Matters: The Red Bank High School Marching Band

Our Student Ambassador of Change, E, shares why this opportunity means so much to the band:

“We’re going to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl Parade! This parade is one of the only scored parades in the country, and this is our biggest opportunity yet. The band has never been able to travel this far and experience something like this. Not only will we get to march in this parade for New Year’s, but we’ll also get to experience Phoenix and the beautiful Grand Canyon. This trip will help all of our high school (and some middle school) musicians grow in their music and give us the chance to visit a national park, as well as travel farther than we ever have before.

We want to make this trip as affordable as possible for everyone, so we’ve been working on fundraisers since before the school year began. Anything helps! Help take the RBHS Marching Band to Arizona!”

So, whether it’s preserving the rich musical traditions of Appalachia or helping young musicians reach new milestones, every contribution makes a difference. Join E, Andrei, Be The Change Youth Initiative, and our community in amplifying the power of music, art, and opportunity.

Support Restring Appalachia & The Red Bank High School Band