Strings for Hope, a local nonprofit being supported by Belmont Enactus, recently was awarded $10,000 from the Tom’s of Maine “50 States for Good” community giving program.
Strings for Hope creates handcrafted jewelry made from recycled guitar strings, many of which are donated by celebrities. The concept is to sell jewelry handcrafted from the recycled strings and then use the profits to support food distribution programs, healthcare clinics and other causes. As seen in past projects, Belmont Enactus aids String for Hope, and other social enterprises, with business startup and development.
ENACTUS student Graham Spencer-Orrell explained, “We meet regularly to discuss strategies and plans for the future. In addition, everyone has projects to work on regularly, from financial modeling, to creating marketing campaigns, to writing blog posts and reports. Many of our team also have a hand in producing the bracelets. ”
Through partnerships with Nashville musicians, recently including Steven Curtis Chapman and Belmont alumni group Florida Georgia Line, the students’ connections prove that Nashville is the perfect combination of music and community spirit.
Laura Wilson, founder and CEO of Strings for Hope, said, “We couldn’t have done this without the student involvement and Dr. John Gonas.”
The money will be used to fund community projects, food banks and a partnership with The Next Door, a transition center for formerly incarcerated women to learn job skills. Proceeds from the pieces in the Florida Georgia Line collection support the Robert E. Mulloy Scholarship at Belmont.
ENACTUS student Allison Gospel said, “Laura and her partners are always willing to let us help with all aspects of the company, and I feel that I have learned more working with them than I ever would have from a textbook. I am not even a business major, but I know the lessons that I am learning from this group are invaluable for any future career I will ever pursue.”
Winning nonprofits were selected from a pool of nearly 3,000 nominations by a panel of influential judges representing a variety of unique perspectives on human, health and environmental goodness. Strings for Hope represents Tennessee in the 51 winners chosen from each state and the District of Columbia.
Orell continues to say, “This experience is incredibly valuable to everyone who is involved. It is fantastic for our team of students to see that their hard work pays off.”
