Alumnus Luke Putney returned to campus this week to walk the final leg of the 26.2 miles in his “Marathon & Music for Charity” project, a fundraiser for his nonprofit Instrumental Horizons. Inspired by his recovery from a devastating medical crisis, the “Marathon & Music for Charity” initiative has already received hundreds of charitable gifts totaling more than $17,500 in donations!
Determined to triumph over brain tumors, a stroke, blindness and chronic pain, Putney was not only re-learning to walk, he decided to create a fundraiser and new music to benefit children in South Africa. Earlier this fall, he set out to walk a marathon, one mile per day for 26 days, as part of his recovery.
Donations to the marathon will support music education and music therapy through Instrumental Horizons’ partner organization, Music Works, supporting children in marginalized communities in Cape Town, South Africa.
Crossing the finish line with Putney was Belmont President Dr. Bob Fisher, who has provided crucial business support during the start up of Putney’s nonprofit as well as personal encouragement in his physical recovery from a 2017 brain surgery and stroke.
Pledges for the marathon are still being taken with 100% of gifts received on or before December 31, 2019, funding Music Works programs for children in marginalized communities in Cape Town, South Africa, starting in early 2020.
As a thank you to anyone who makes a donation, Putney is sending a free download of his new song, “Cape Town (I Miss Africa).” This song features Luke Putney (Lead Vocal/Guitar), Bakithi Kumalo (Bass/Vocals for Paul Simon), Bob Franceschini (Sax for Chaka Khan, George Benson and more), Jeff Coffin (Sax for Dave Matthews Band), Darren English (Trumpet and Keys), Derico Watson (Drums for Victor Wooten), and Brad Covington (Alternative Percussion). Five-time Grammy Award winner Victor Wooten produced this recording at Ocean Way Nashville earlier in 2019.
Instrumental Horizons is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the State of Tennessee approved by the US Department of Treasury. This charity shares the joy of music by donating musical instruments and volunteering services to socioeconomically and medically challenged communities in the United States and around the world.
