There is no question that the arts are essential and there is tremendous value for generous contributors who invest in the arts, such as Kurt and Teri Zumwalt.  The Zumwalts recently shared, “We believe the arts are an essential element to cultural identity and exposure to the arts critical to the development of our young students. The arts, and particularly musical instruments, offer and opportunity for personal growth and enjoyment that every child deserves.” Their passion for the arts is demonstrated through their support of the Spark! Initiative, where they sponsored a concert series for several Fresno schools in 2019 and 2020 featuring Patrick Contreras and Omar Naré. These schools included Sanger Academy, Kings Canyon Unified, and Wilson, Caruthers, Riverdale, Rowell, and Heaton elementary schools.

Most recently, they supported a four-day song writer’s workshop with the Kerman High School's Mariachi León (pictured above). Investments like the Zumwalt’s give students the opportunity to experience the arts inspiring them to pick up an instrument, and potentially change their lives. Click here for more information on arts education.