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Jefferson Award Winner 'Keeps Music Rockin'' For San Leandro Schools

SAN LEANDRO (KPIX 5) Some call him the Santa Claus of the San Leandro schools' music program. If teachers and students need something, he finds a way to grant their wish, making him this week's Bay Area Jefferson Award winner.

It may look like banging on trash cans and buckets, but it's really "Junk Funk." And some San Leandro middle school students are busy practicing for their upcoming appearance as the opening act in a fundraiser for their music program featuring drummer Cindy Blackman Santana. wife of guitar legend Carlos Santana.

Twelve-year-old Thomas DeBourbon can't wait.

"I'm a little nervous  but we'll get it done," he said.

Blackman Santana herself underwrites the weekly afterschool percussion workshop at Bancroft and John Muir Middle Schools.

Rick Richards orchestrated the partnership. He's a retired bank auditor whose nonprofit is saving music in the San Leandro School District.

"I just grew up around music and love for music," Richards explained. "It's an important component of making the whole child."

Richards organized his first benefit concert in 2004. The headliner was his friend, former Tower of Power lead singer Lenny Williams. Richards formed the Keep Music Rockin' Foundation the following year.

Over the years, he's developed a fundraising rhythm: Williams' holiday concert in December, and a golf tournament in July. So far, the plan has helped Keep Music Rockin' generate three quarters of a million dollars for musical instruments, sheet music, equipment, and workshops.

John Muir Middle School Band Director Andrew Storar says all 11 San Leandro schools benefit.

"We say, 'Rick, we have a need' and he comes through," Storar said appreciatively.

Not only has Richards recruited celebrity donors like the Santanas, he's also grateful for music industry professionals on his advisory board, like Sheila E, who secretly fulfilled his 28-page wish list.

"My wife calls me, 'You have 14 boxes sitting in our living room,'" he remembered. "There was trumpets in there, trombones, congas."

San Leandro Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike McLaughlin says Richards harnesses people power in the community and beyond.

"He empowers others to want to do more for the kids and their music," McLaughlin said.

So for keeping music rockin' for San Leandro public schools, this week's Jefferson Award in the Bay Area goes to Rick Richards.

The student percussion group will open for Cindy Blackman Santana's fundraising concert on February 24 at San Leandro High School's Art and Entertainment Center. Check back on the Keep Music Rockin' website for updates on tickets.

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