Jersey City, NJ (October 7, 2009) – The VH1 Save The Music Foundation, with the help of Houlihan’s Restaurants Inc., will present $60,000 worth of new musical instruments to restore instrumental music education programs in Jersey City Public Schools for the 2009/2010 school year. The donation is part of the Foundation’s efforts to restore $3 million worth of instrumental music programs nationwide this year. To mark the donation, an event will be held at the Ezla L. Nolan School on October 9, 2009 from 10a.m. to 11 a.m. Comcast, VH1 Save the Music Foundation’s partner, will be onsite to introduce Houlihan’s representatives at the event.



This year’s donation is part of an ongoing effort by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation and Houlihan’s to guarantee that students in Jersey City Public Schools receive music education as part of their core curriculum. In tune with its tradition of originality and appreciation for independent music, Houlihan’s, a popular, stylish casual dining restaurant with locations nationwide, formed an ongoing fundraising partnership with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation in the Spring of 2008 to support instrumental music education programs in public schools throughout the country.



“Houlihan’s is committed to ensuring that students in Jersey City and across the country receive the benefits of music education,” said Jen Gulvik, Vice President of Marketing for Houlihan’s. “At a time when budget cuts and lack of public funds pose an increasing threat to music education, we are honored to support the mission of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. Every child deserves the chance to play an instrument, join a band, and enjoy the many benefits music brings to life. It’s so rewarding to know that our restaurants are helping to make this a reality.”



By organizing concerts and fundraising events across the country, Houlihan’s Restaurants galvanized their local communities to collect donations for the VH1 Save The Music Foundation and raise awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s education. In addition, Houlihan’s stores donated $1 for every Mojito Margarita and S’Mores Fondue dessert sold at more than 100 corporate stores and franchises across the country to the Foundation.



“We are thrilled that Houlihan’s Restaurants have partnered with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation,” said Paul Cothran, Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. “With their help, we will be able to continue to raise awareness about the importance of a musical education in a child’s life, and ensure that additional children have access to the benefits of music study.”



Since its founding in 1997, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has helped implement and restore music programs in thousands of public schools, which traditionally cut fine arts activities when budgets tighten. These programs have helped countless children enjoy the benefits of musical study, including improved self-esteem, increased SAT scores, higher high school graduation and elevated attendance rates.