From left, Mercy Ships' Nikki Aldum and Russ Holmes.

NOV. 13 I YAMAHA I PHILANTHROPY
Yamaha Donates to Mercy Ships

Yamaha Corporation of America has donated two keyboards to Mercy Ships — an organization that sails a modern floating hospital directly to individuals in need of operations. It stops in nearly 600 ports around the world. Since its inception in 1978, the group has performed more than 84,000 lifesaving and life-altering surgeries.

"When I learned about this group and the amazing work they do, I knew that we had to do something to help them with their program," said David Jewell, Yamaha's marketing communications manager of the customer sales and marketing group.

That help came in the form of two YPG235 keyboards to be used in a fully accredited ship-board classroom for the 50 children of the crew who are often out to sea for up to 10 months at a time.

"The kids attend classes all week and now music education has been added to their curriculum — something Yamaha has always strongly supported," he continued.

On weekends, the crews' children help out with therapy for patients recovering from surgery. Now, in addition to keeping them company and playing games, they will be able to entertain them with their newly learned musical skills.

"Mercy Ships is doing such great work," Jewell said. "Yamaha is happy to continue its support of music education and aid in these patients' recoveries."

usa.yamaha.com