SAWS Practice-a-thon Fundraiser
March 2- 22, 2026
Practice for a Great Cause!
Join us March 2-22, 2026 for the second year of our SAWS Practice-a-Thon Scholarship Fundraiser.
Last year, the SAWS practice-a-thon raised $15,042.65, allowing us to expand our scholarship program and support students, families, and teachers. This fundraiser helps us continue making lessons, instruments, and summer institutes more accessible.
We use 99Pledges, a secure and user-friendly fundraising platform:
https://app.99pledges.com/fund/sawspractice
SAWS is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
EIN: 91-1351569
How It Works
Registration
Registration closes on Friday, February 27. Teachers sign up their studio by submitting student names and parent email addresses to SAWS. SAWS will upload this information to 99Pledges, and teachers and parents will receive reminder emails throughout the fundraiser. Email addresses are used only for this purpose.
Fundraising
Students may ask family, friends, and neighbors to sponsor their practice. We suggest a $21 donation ($1 per day), though any amount is welcome. All donations are processed through 99Pledges. To keep things simple, our site accepts flat-fee donations only. Donations may be made between February 1 and March 31.
Practice Guidelines
Students challenge themselves to practice for 21 days (March 2–22). A practice is 15 minutes or more and must be outside of lessons, rehearsals, group classes, orchestra, or chamber music coachings. Students may track practice using the provided calendar or a favorite practice app. Days practiced may simply be checked off, or minutes may be recorded.For very young students, flexibility is encouraged—listening to recordings while playing or coloring may count toward completing the day.
Submitting Results
Submitting results is optional, but required to be eligible for prizes and recognition. Teachers will have until March 31 to submit student results using a Google Form (coming soon).
Prizes & Recognition
- Students who complete 21 days and submit results will be featured on the SAWS Wall of Fame (online and printed in the Fall Festival graduation concert program).
- All students who complete 21 days and submit results will be entered into a Shar Music gift card raffle.
- Students who record minutes may compete for Most Minutes Practiced, awarded by age group (5 & under, 6–9, 10–13, 14+), and receive a Shar Music gift card.
- The top fundraiser, as tracked by 99Pledges, will also receive a gift card.
These scholarships matter, and make a big difference in the lives of families in a time when everything feels more and more expensive! Here are some thank you letters from past recipients.
I would like to thank the SAWS membership for helping young musicians, like my two children, to continue developing. It was a joy watching them blossom at OSI. My older son has finally hit a maturity level that he could really receive what his masterclass teacher could offer him. And take to heart what’s required moving into the next phase of his musical path. Both of my children have been really inspired and look forward to going next year. Thank you Mary Beth for your support in making this scholarship possible. Both my kids and I are very grateful. Sincerely, R.K.
I am so incredibly grateful for receiving the scholarship for my teacher training this year. Thank you so so much for supporting me!! Everyone was so loving and helpful, and this money helped me so much to do my Piano and violin Suzuki book one and ECC all this summer. I can’t wait to continue my teacher training and become a closer part of the Suzuki world.
Wishing you all the best, and thank you for your wonderful work and care!
Warm regards
J.B..