The MFH Bill Perry Scholarship:

Hello friends,

Last year we partnered with Rachel Bertoni who started a scholarship fund called “The Bill Perry Scholarship Fund” in honor of Bill Perry, a Chester NY native who died in July 2007. The purpose of the scholarship is to help keep Bill’s name alive. MFH is providing matching funds and will administer and grant this Scholarship each year. You may apply online.

We are happy to announce that the first "Music For Humanity Bill Perry Scholarship" (the first MFH scholarship) was awarded Sunday July 27, 2008 at the Bertoni Gallery in Sugar Loaf. The scholarship was given to Kelly Vandemark, a Chester Academy graduate.

The Second Music for Humanity Bill Perry Scholarship will be awarded on Sunday July 26, 2009 at the Bertoni Gallery. Bill Perry Day is simply a wonderful event especially for Blues fans. It runs all afternoon on Sunday July 26th in the sculpture garden outside Bertoni Gallery in Sugar Loaf NY. Here's a breakdown of the day:

 *July 26, 2009*
2nd Annual BILL PERRY DAY
Opening Ceremony 12:30 p.m.
Dan Brother Band 1-2:30p.m.
Budweiser Bob and Outside Don 2:40-3:15p.m.
Reddan Brothers 3:30-5p.m.
Scholarship Award Ceremony 5:15p.m.

If you'd like to make a tax-deductible contribution directly to the Bill Perry Scholarship Fund please write your check out to Music for Humanity Bill Perry Scholarship Fund and send it to Music for Humanity, PO Box 359, Chester NY 10918.

Music for Humanity is a 501-c-3 charity and everyone is a volunteer.

Please see photos of the Bill Perry Day celebration and the awarding of the scholarship.
View the thank you note we got from Kelly.

Bill Pery was one of the greatest musicians to come from Orange County. He was born in the Village of Chester and died in July 2007 in the Town of Chester. He was truly one of the greatest blues players ever. He could play with BB King or Eric Clapton and anyone else. For those of you who never had a chance to experience his virtuosity on the blues guitar here is a little sampling: http://youtube.com/watch?v=0TiV2FRalG4