The gift of music was given to the Teen Center in Bellevue last week, in the form of a new piano donated by “Ten Grands” of Seattle.

The donation of a new Fischer & Sons’ console piano designed by Sherman Clay was made possible by grants from The Snowman Foundation and the Rotary Club of Bellevue. Proceeds from the annual Ten Grands Seattle concert provide funding for Snowman Foundation grants to organizations in Washington state.

A dedication ceremony held last Thursday included brief remarks by representatives of the various organizations, followed by a performance by Ryan Cambron, a Teen Center program participant. Other speakers included Steve Dewalt of Bellevue, representing The Snowman Foundation and Ten Grands Seattle; Lance Latimer, Teen Services Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue; Nick Merz, Music Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue and Robert Rose, President of the Rotary Club of Bellevue.

Located in the former Lake Hills Library, the Teen Center is one of 13 sites within the City of Bellevue operated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. It encompasses more than 9,000 square feet of space, including a performance stage and learning lounge.

“Ten Grands,” is a benefit concert presented in Seattle and Portland thats serves as a major source of funds for The Snowman Foundation – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to give the gift of music to children.

Established in Portland in 1999, the Snowman Foundation has raised more than $2 million since inception “to share the joy, the healing, the learning, and the life-changing gifts music has to offer. More than 80 pianos have been donated in Portland and Seattle.

Proceeds from the Seattle concerts have funded grants for more than two dozen organizations around Puget Sound that provide music education and experiences for youth.