Music Matters Plates Now Available
Visit the Washington State Department of Licensing site to order your very own Music Matters Specialty License plates and support music education!

Final Art Selected for Music Matters Special Themed License Plate
Music Aid Northwest Board of Directors are pleased to announce the final art design (above) for its Music Matters special themed license plate, available for purchase through the Washington State Department of Licensing, beginning in January 2012.

The final design, which was subject to final approval by the Washington State Department of Licensing, was selected from seven artists' submissions representing a wide range of ideas and concepts. Keep an eye out for upcoming events to celebrate the new plate and the kick-off party and music event when the plates are officially available for purchase.

Signature Campaign Surpasses Goal; Fundraising Continues
In addition to gaining legislative approval, the Washington Department of Licensing also required Music Aid Northwest to collect 3500 potential orders/signatures in order to demonstrate there is a viable market for the music-themed plates. We are thrilled to report Music Aid Northwest, with the help of its many supporters and partnering organizations was able to surpass that goal. At last count, we received more than 4500 potential orders for the Music Matters license plate!

Notwithstanding, in spite of our best efforts, we are still a little short on another DOL requirement to raise $30,000 to cover the initial production cost of the plates. Thankfully, the shortfall won't effect the availability of the plates in January 2012. However, it will delay the funding source for our schools until the balance is met through our ongoing fundraising efforts and, as a last resort, the sales of the plates.

Relief on the way for Music Programs in Washington State Schools
Music Matters was signed into law on Tuesday, May 3, 2011. While it took three years for the Washington State Legislature to approve the Music Matters special themed license plate, the benefits will be worth the wait. Special thanks to Representative Marcie Maxwell, Senator Ed Murray, and Governor Chris Gregoire, among many, many others, for their vision and leadership in helping Music Aid Northwest realize it's mission to create a perpetual funding source for Washington school music programs, and for many years and generations of musicians to come.

Music Aid Northwest's mission is to provide funds for people in need by bringing business and community organizations together with the talent and resources of the Northwest music industry. Through our charitable efforts, we have sought to enhance and promote music awareness and performance throughout the region. Through the license plate initiative, we hope to invest in our most precious resource for our future, our children and their musical education.

We are very excited to be driving this great project to support music in our schools. To make this happen, we need to raise $35,000 in start up costs and acquire 3500 signatures from registered Washington State drivers who would like to show their interest in purchasing a Music Plate when they become available. And we need your help!

Join Music Aid Northwest
If you'd like to become more involved, or just want to stay informed with our projects, just click here to join us—it's FREE!

Corporate and Small Business Support
We are reaching out to the community for corporate and small business support. We are looking for sponsors to match the funds we raise through this endeavor. Our hope is that the $100K to $200K dollars we raise in license plate sales will double or even quadruple through the generous support and fund matching of local Washington State business and other organizations.

Sign up for the Music Aid Northwest mailing list
Receive news updates and event notices regarding the Music Aid Northwest Music Matters special license plate and ongoing efforts to fund music programs in Washington schools.
Click here to join!

Invite Music Aid Northwest to speak
Help us get the word out to Washington schools about the perpetual fundraising benefits of the Music Matters special license plate. Invite Music Aid Northwest to speak to your local school district or private school officials, music teachers, band booster clubs and/or PTA.
Contact Dani Turissini to get started.

Show your support
Buy one and slap it on your car (you may need to use screws) buy one for your kids car, your babysitter or your favorite teacher!

	Music Aid Northwest Music Aid Northwest (MAN) initiated and is managing the Music Matters project.
	National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) Pacific Northwest Chapter
	Synergia Northwest Music Matters Live is coming to the Paramount Theater May 12, 2012.
	Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) Read the Letter of Endorsement from Bruce Caldwell, Executive Director, here.
	JamDawgs Music Philanthropy at it's finest.
	Brad Owen Lieutenant Governor, State of Washington Read the Lieutenant Governor's Letter of Endorsement here.
	Mike Huckabee Former Presidential Candidate and Governor of Arkansas Read Governor Huckabee's Letter of Endorsement here.