Our mission statement is to provide financial assistance to the youth of Regional Municipality of Niagara who have the desire and determination to pursue music lessons but due to financial hardship do not have the ability to do so. The fund will also work to secure funds in order to continue this mission for as long as possible.
03/04/2007 - Edward has been featured in an article in the Hamilton Spectator. Please click here to view the article.
The fund was put into place in September 2006 following the accidental death of Edward Patrick Wright of Niagara Falls Ontario. Edward was 18 years old at the time of his death. He had a love and an ear for music. He was a loyal friend and defended those who could not. He would give of himself and just be there for those who needed him. If one word could describe Edward Patrick it would be determination. If one could use one word to describe how he lived his life, it would be passionately. In his memory the scholarship was founded to assist those young persons who exhibit the same passion and determination as he did with regard to music.
The initial donations made to the scholarship were done with love in his memory. Since that time the continued support of the community was a driving force into organizing a not for profit scholarship as a registered charity. Gifting at the corporate level is more feasible with a registered charity.
In the fall of 2006, the production duo of Rick Rose and Mark Matthews contacted the scholarship fund and informed us that all proceeds of the 2006 release of the CD Spirit of Niagara II promoting local talent would be given to the scholarship fund. Eddie's song that appeared in the 2005 edition was included and the CD launched at the two high schools he attended (St. Paul's Catholic High School from 2002-2004) and St. Michael's Catholic High School 2004-2006). The CD's sold at the schools contain a metal memorial rosary which is worn by many around their necks to remember Eddie.
Future fund raising events are planned so that what was started by the many who gave from their heart to support a grieving family can now continue for a longer period of time to assist those in financial need that have a song in the their hearts and could not otherwise have the opportunity to learn and benefit from music.
Donations to the scholarship can be mailed to 9963 Grassybrook Road, rural route 1, Port Robinson Ontario L0S 1K0. Receipts will be forwarded to within a month. All donations are greatly appreciated but only those in excess of $10.00 Canadian will trigger a receipt for income tax purposes. The scholarship fund has applied for registered charity status and is anticipating approval for 2007. All donations in excess of $10.00 received in 2007 will be eligible for receipts should status be received. Updates will be provided on the website.
Eddie was born on April 19, 1988. His full birth name is Edward Patrick Kelly Wright with Irish, Scottish and French Canadian roots. He was exposed to music from before birth. He listened mostly to his father's favourite music Rush and heavier rock. In fact he attended his first concert at the age of 4 wearing industrial ear protectors with his dad when Rush played Hamilton.
As a young boy he would mimic Johnny Dee of Honeymoon Suite, learning all the big hits by heart. A videotape was made of his "performance" and sent to the singer/songwriter who is also a friend of the family.
By the time Eddie was 6 he was asking to take music lessons. His instrument of choice was guitar. He preferred the acoustic guitar. He quickly learned the chords but was not a fan of practicing them every day for his music teacher Tim Miller of the Ontario Conservatory. Edward was passionate about his music and passionate about his instrument of choice. Whenever he could he would read up on the history of the guitar and the different makes and designs. He could easily discuss with any guitar aficionado about the instrument. He created a piece of art work in tribute to the Gibson guitar.
Although he would play quite frequently, the singing could only be heard behind his closed bedroom door. The calibre of the voice began to emerge while rehearsing for the school play Wizard of Oz. Edward played the role of the scarecrow and wowed the crowds. Although he never returned to the stage for any further performance, he was enrolled for drama classes beginning September 2006.
His voice continued to develop, as did his expertise on the guitar. It was during the Youth World Days where German visitors stayed in his home that the range of his voice was finally heard. Knocking on Heaven's Door was a favourite around the campfires.
Edward had an eclectic taste in music. Regardless of the type, if it was good music then it was worth listening to. When he sang, his voice was one that caught your attention and made you want to settle into a comfy couch or pull up a lawn chair around a campfire and listen.
Eddie was an amazing young man. The proof is found in the testimonies of his friends, not only his peers but the adults he got to know as well. As is the case with all teens finding their way, he would challenge the status quo. He lived life with a determination that is synonymous with his name. Ask any friend. Whatever he would try his hand at he would give it his all. And he accomplished many goals in his short life. He was an excellent and gifted martial artist, was an accomplished Irish Dancer placing first in many feis before leaving to become a Wake Boarder. He went on to become Ontario Junior Wakeboard Champion in his first year of competition and the pleasure and privilege of wakeboarding with international champion Shawn Murray. He tried his hand at football and even though he was a walk on, made the senior varsity Spears Football team in their inaugural year where they went on to take the Ontario Provincial title. He was excellent at trampoline and enjoyed volleyball. He accomplished his goals and excelled in many because of determination and passion, not because he was necessarily talented in each. He believed, he worked at it and he accomplished it. He will be remembered by his passion for a strong and healthy body. Bodybuilding was his passion and at the time of his death he had begun the arduous and disciplined daily routines for a November 2006 bodybuilding competition. He would have become eligible to compete on his sheer determination alone. But in this art he was also gifted with strength and the right body type as he would say. It was his time to shine again. What his friends say they remember most are his smiles, love of song, his loyalty to friends. Plain and simple: he was good people!
On August 3rd 2006, his legacy took on a new role. Edward was a spiritual individual, strong in his faith. His death left an immense hole but his love of life brought many of us together. The scholarship is our way of continuing his legacy so that we can recognize in others his driving force of determination and passion.
Q. Who can apply for the scholarship?
A. Any person can apply for the scholarship. Usually it will be on the recommendation of a music teacher but that is not a prerequisite. The applicant (person to receive funds) must reside within the Regional Municipality of Niagara and be enrolled in a music program that is either taught by or sanctioned by Ontario Conservatory of Music, Royal Conservatory of Music, the Niagara Institute of Art and Music.
Q. Where do I obtain an application?
A. Applications can be obtained through the web site or by writing to the Fund.
Q. Where do we send the application?
A. Forward applications to 9963 Grassybrook Road RR#1 Port Robinson ON L0S 1K0 Attention: Administrator - Eddie Wright Music Scholarship Fund.
Q. Is there a deadline?
A. No, applications will be entertained throughout the year.
Q. Is it always the same amount?
A. No the amounts will vary depending on the need but only up to a maximum of 80% of the cost. There is also a $10 per lesson maximum.
Q. Will the scholarship pay 100% of the cost?
A. No, it will not. The gift from the scholarship will refrain from paying 100% as the administrators of the fund believe that participation in the cost will increase the merit of the gift as well as the determination of the youth to continue with their music program.
Q. Does the scholarship pay for music lessons only?
A. Although primarily driven by music lessons, the scholarship will also entertain the purchase or rental of instruments for the applicant.
Q. Once approved, is the recipient entitled to continue to receive funds every year?
A. The applicant will need to apply for the scholarship on an annual basis
Q. Who is eligible to receive assistance from the fund?
A. Any youth who resides in the Niagara Region is eligible to receive assistance. The focus of the scholarship are for those members of our community who do not have the financial means of taking music lessons but have the desire, passion and determination. There is a graduated scale depending on family income.
Q. What is the graduated scale and what documents are necessary?
A.
| Established Income | Assistance | ||
| From | To | ||
| $0 | $20,000 | %80 | |
| $20,001 | $25,000 | %70 | |
| $25,001 | $30,000 | %60 | |
| $30,001 | $35,000 | %50 | |
Proof of family income can be obtained by sending a copy of the income tax notice of assessment or a copy of page 1 and 2 of the T1 (income tax return)
Q. Who determines if a recipient is approved?
A. The Board will make the final determination based on the information provided by the person recommending the applicant.
Q. Who receives the funds?
A. The funds will be paid to the music school directly on behalf of the applicant or the business from which the instrument is purchased and/or rented.
Once the Board receives an application it will be reviewed. An interview will be completed with the person recommending the student for assistance. The Board indicating the level of assistance will contact the successful applicant in writing. The maximum allocated to any individual will be up to 80% of the cost. In most cases the fund will pay for music lessons. There is per lesson maximum of $10.00. Should reimbursement be granted towards the purchase of an instrument the maximum will be $100.
The Board reserves the right as to the amount funded depending on the number of applications received in any year.
The application can be downloaded and printed for ease of completion. It should then be forwarded if print format to:
Administration
Eddie Wright Music Scholarship Fund
9963 Grassybrook Road, RR#1
Port Robinson ON L0S 1KO
Click here to download the application
To view the application you must have Adobe Reader installed, it is free and availible for download at:
Dolorese and Ed Wright: They are the parents of Edward Patrick Wright They are the founding members of the organization. Dolorese and Ed are in the financial services with Ed Wright the fraternal insurance counsellor (FIC) with the Knights of Columbus. Ed is a Certified Seniors Advisor (CSA). He works with his fellow Knights serving the communities of the Niagara Region. Dolorese is partner in the firm Bujold Colburn that provides Pension and Group Benefits and is a Group Benefits Analysts (GBA) to corporate clients throughout the Niagara Region as well as retirement and estate planning to individuals. Dolorese and Ed and daughter Kerianne are looking forward to assisting others through their music endeavours.
Betty Boulet: Betty is a resident of Grassybrook. She is a neighbour of the Wrights having watched Edward Patrick grow from a baby to the fine young man he became. Her campfires are popular events with impromptu sing along by family and friends. Her camp fires was one of the main places that Edward would play and sing along with Betty's husband Denis who is a member of Old Plank Road. She has been around and involved with music all of her adult life. Betty was born in Niagara Falls now living in Port Robinson. Betty is married with two adult sons and grandmother of darling Lauren.
Anthony Finucci: Anthony is an accountant working from the firm Forsyth and Finucci in St. Catharines. A resident of Niagara Falls and the father of two young boys, Tony has been involved in music for much of his life. Tony is a member of a local band, which performs throughout the Region. His abilities will be an asset to the Board.
Christopher Steele: Chris is originally from Port Colborne and now resides in Welland. He is an investment specialist and will be an asset to the organization. Chris has been involved with music, although mostly from an enjoyment level and history buff. He does play guitar. He is partner in the firm of Bujold Colburn in Welland.
The assistance is based on family income. The assistance will be allocated as per the reimbursement grid for cost of lessons to a maximum of $10.00 per lesson. Application must be made every year.
Schedule of reimbursement according to family income:
| Established Income | Assistance | ||
| From | To | ||
| $0 | $20,000 | %80 | |
| $20,001 | $25,000 | %70 | |
| $25,001 | $30,000 | %60 | |
| $30,001 | $35,000 | %50 | |
Although the intent is to assist as many students as possible, the Board of the Scholarship Fund reserve the right to limit support in any one year so as to not deplete the fund.
Copyright 2007, Eddie Wright Music Scholarship Fund |
Charitable Organization
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Edward Patrick Wright
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