The Friends of Ben, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving Savannah jazz icon Ben Tucker’s legacy, is working to ensure Coastal Empire children have the opportunity to follow in the legendary musician’s footsteps.

Understanding that tight budgets and financial hardship can prevent an otherwise eager and willing student from pursuing musical interests, the organization aims to eliminate that barrier. On Saturday, Oct. 14, Friends of Ben is partnering with Portman’s Music Superstore for a “Used Instrument Donation Day.” All instruments received will be refurbished and given to children who attend Title 1 schools within the Savannah-Chatham County system. Music teachers at the schools will coordinate the distribution of instruments to ensure they go to students who have a genuine interest and need.

Instruments will be collected from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 14 at Portman’s, 7650 Abercorn St. in Savannah. Organizers intend to make the charitable endeavor into a festive occasion, complete with music and refreshments. Student volunteers from Armstrong State University will also be on hand to help; however, more volunteers are still needed.

Friends of Ben President Barbara Essig said the group began planning this initiative in 2016 and they have plans to expand it if all goes well.

“We are targeting Title 1 schools to donate the instruments to because it was brought to our attention that children in those schools don’t always come from families that have good credit or own a home, which means they often cannot rent or procure an instrument for their child. So, there’s a population of low-income families who don’t have access to or can’t participate in a music program,” Essig said. “This program allows us to put instruments in the hands of children who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument.”

Friends of Ben was incorporated as a nonprofit in 2015 with the mission of continuing the work and outreach efforts facilitated and supported by Tucker, who was tragically killed June 4, 2013 in a traffic collision. He was 82. According to Essig, the organization has stepped in to continue projects Tucker was already involved in. Other times, they lend support and resources to programs they know the renowned jazz bassist would have endorsed.

A number of local businesses, organizations, educational institutions and fellow nonprofits have teamed with Friends of Ben for the inaugural “Used Instrument Donation Day.” In addition to Portman’s, the event has been made possible by Sonata (Sponsors of New and Talented Artists, Inc.), Coastal Jazz Association, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, Savannah Philharmonic, Savannah Arts Academy, Savannah Music Festival, Performance Arts Choir and ACT. If the program is going to be a success, however, additional funds and supporters still are needed.

Essig said Friends of Ben plans to roll out the program this year – with the goal of putting instruments in the hands of 200 students – and run it for two years as they establish best practices for operating. Once they have things running like clockwork, program expansion is the next step. The goal is to hold an instrument donation day annually. It’ll come at a cost, though, because instruments will need to be refurbished and sterilized for use by other children.

Friends of Ben has submitted grants, and they’re looking at organizing some fundraisers.

“The first year, it will take $35,000 to run this program for over 200 students, so we’re looking for funders, contributors and sponsors,” Essig said. “Portman’s has been wonderful and we’re really excited to have them involved. Jerry Portman really stepped up to become the major partner here by refurbishing all these instruments. He’s been refurbishing for years and has partnered with the Savannah schools and other school districts for initiatives similar to this.”

The Friends of Ben president stressed that the group appreciates donated instruments in a wide range of conditions – even those that have seen better days.

“If people have instruments in their basements, attics or garages that haven’t been used in years, we’ll still take them. And we’re not just targeting Savannah – we hope to get participants from Tybee and surrounding areas, too,” Essig said. “Local musicians who have instruments that they are no longer using, they can donate them in honor of Ben. We know he would have been grateful. The last concert Ben played was at a public school, so this program is something he would have wholeheartedly supported.”