The 7th Annual “Drew’s Gift of Music” Event is Happening Tomorrow in Knox

Posted on August 3, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

An inspirational Knox student who impacted the lives of countless people before his sudden passing in October of 2011 continues to make a major impact posthumously.

Community members have the chance to collectively commemorate Drew Shearin and contribute to the cause created in his honor this Saturday at the 7th annual “Drew’s Gift of Music” event.

The charitable organization “Drew’s Gift” has been instrumental in providing band students throughout Indiana with the equipment they need to pursue their musical passions.

At 17, Drew had already mastered multiple instruments, served as drum major for the Knox Redskin Brigade and reached the status of an award-winning composer, just to name a few accomplishments. His love for music and memory lives on through the Drew’s Gift initiative.

Tomorrow’s event will be held at the VFW Post 748 in Knox. The day will start with registration for the motorcycle ride at 11 a.m. CDT. The ride costs $20 for a single rider and $30 to ride with a passenger. Riders will take off around noon and will return to the VFW around 4 p.m., just in time for the dinner.

Tickets for the event cost $10 and that gives you access to the pulled-pork dinner, the silent and live auctions and the entertainment. The Knox Jug Band will be providing live music from 4 until 5 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 5 p.m.

In addition to monetary donations, individuals can bring in band instruments to contribute to the cause. If you bring an instrument, you get into the event free of charge.

Drew’s mother Deb Johnson noted that Drew’s Gift helps bring instruments to approximately 25 schools throughout the state. She said the ultimate goal is to partner with each and every one of them to assist aspiring student musicians who may not be able to afford an instrument on their own.

Students looking to benefit from the program can speak to their band director who will know how to get in touch with the organization. If a school isn’t currently partnering with Drew’s Gift, band directors can email drewshearinmusic@gmail.com to learn how to get involved.

More information about the program as well as personal music, pictures and videos can be found on the Drew’s Gift of Music Facebook page or at DrewShearinMusic.com.