We recently sat down with donor and volunteer Carey Barnes to ask her about her Music Maker experience and why our mission resonates with her. Carey is part of the generous team of donors who provided the $25,000 match for Giving Tuesday.

Save the Date: Giving Tuesday is December 3 – all gifts will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25k! Donate here: musicmaker.org/donations

Why are Music Maker’s partner artists important to you?

They form the bedrock of a generation of roots & blues musicians that are so essential to our cultural fabric today. It’s also a generation that’s aging, and unless we document and support them now, we won’t have the opportunity to celebrate their gifts in the future.

I was introduced to these artists—and Music Maker—through an art exhibit at NCSU’s Gregg Museum. I just fell in love with the photos and the stories. It prompted me to find out more about these artists and what Music Maker was all about. I thought, “This is fantastic and I want to be a part of it!”

Our Living Past at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design

How does it make you feel when you give to Music Maker?

In my opinion, to change the world it takes dedicated, smart, committed people. That’s how I feel when I give to Music Maker. That’s also what I see in the staff every time I’m in the office, a truly passionate team that makes a difference everyday.

Why is it important for others to give?

It’s really about helping in any way you can. You have to find organizations that you’re passionate about, that are truly making a difference, and that make an impact on a local level. Music Maker hits all of those criteria for me.

I’m particularly impressed with the mission of Music Maker, and as a volunteer I get a first-hand look into how you operate. I see and overhear the efforts every time I come into the office. I see the walkers and canes that you’re sending to artists, I see you helping them work again and keeping them safe. I watch you bring these artists alive, and keep them alive. Music Maker runs on all cylinders, every day, for the artists they serve.

Do you think it was important for Music Maker to hire a social worker?

I think it was an excellent decision. From volunteering in the office, I can see that everyone at Music Maker has some element of social work in their job—it’s part of the fabric of the organization. But to have a dedicated person who can streamline everything just enables Music Maker to be that much more effective.

The Glorifying Vines Sisters

Do you have a favorite Music Maker memory that you would like to share?

My favorite Music Maker memory is my first: I arrived early to the holiday party last year and got to listen to The Glorifying Vines Sisters rehearse their set. When they started singing, my heart stopped. I was so moved! I was completely engrossed in their performance and it made me feel good to see my support in action.

Double your impact this holiday season – all Giving Tuesday gifts will be matched up to $25k! Donate here: musicmaker.org/donations