Index

The Steinway Project

A community project for the benefit of South Boston's Prizery
spearheaded by Benchmark Community Bank

Knowing that the Prizery currently must rent a Steinway piano every time it hosts a notable artist, Benchmark Community Bank conceived the idea of starting a fund for the purchase of a suitable instrument for the space. Research reveals that it will take around $100,000 to fulfill this goal. To make this dream come true for the Prizery and the music-loving people of Southside Virginia as quickly as possible, the bank will both encourage contributions to the fund and drive the effort to raise funds through events and related activities. It is the intent and hope of the bank to make this a community project; in other words, one that is both supported and embraced by the community, involves all segments of the community, and will ultimately benefit most members of the community.

The Steinway Project
Questions and Answers

What is The Steinway Project?

The Steinway Project is an effort to raise money to purchase a Steinway piano for the Prizery, South Boston's award-winning performing arts center.

Why is it important?

The Prizery attracts some fine performers. Each time they book one that requires a quality piano, they must rent one. It is usually a Steinway which is the preferred piano of many top-notch performers.

Would that be the only use of the Steinway?

Absolutely not! The piano would be used for many other activities including recitals by serious music students. It will be a way for the Prizery to attract additional interest in and support for the facility. For example, special relationships might be established with colleges and universities throughout the area that do not currently have access to a high quality piano.

Who is overseeing this effort?

Benchmark Community Bank Senior Loan Officer and Vice President Mike Rowe got the idea of starting the fund after attending the Sandi Patty concert in December and learning about the piano rental situation. He approached Benchmark's President Mike Walker about getting the bank's support. Walker agreed that launching and standing behind the effort and starting a fund would be a good way to help South Boston. The hope is to make the fundraising a community-wide effort with a variety of initiatives and events, something that all residents can enjoy and take pride in.

To guide the effort, a special committee called The Steinway Committee has been formed.  Members currently include Mike Rowe, Dolly Fallen, Frances Harrell, Mickey Thomas, Major Wray, Denise Ferrell, and Lucia Malon.  Various groups and organizations will be asked by the Steinway Committee to contribute their time and talents for the effort. For practical purposes, the Prizery will be involved in all activities associated with this effort but it is important to note that this is not a Prizery initiative.

If I want to make a donation or want to encourage others to do so, what are my options?

Benchmark has opened an account called the Steinway Fund and is collecting the donations.

To help donors decide how much they might want to consider giving, the Steinway Committee has set up different gift levels  and some very nice benefits that come with each.  To review these levels and decide what's best for you, visit the Become a Donor page.  

Contributions to the fund can be made by either stopping by the bank, by mailing a check to The Steinway Fund, P.O. Box 834, South Boston, VA 24592, or by contacting a Committee member.   You may also make a donation right here through the security of PayPal.  

Your contribution will be acknowledged by the Steinway Project committee, currently headed by Mike Rowe.

If I have ideas for ways to raise money for the fund or would like to volunteer my time or resources to help out in this way, who should I contact?

You can either fill out our online Steinway Project sign-up form or contact Mike Rowe. He can be reached at (434) 575-0050 or by email at mike.rowe@bcbonline.com.

How can I keep up with project developments and the status of the fund?

Check this web page regularly for news about the fund and related activities. To track the fund level and review a list of both donors and the amounts brought in from events and other special efforts, visit our Steinway Fund page.

News