Greetings from Carlos Santana's Milagro Foundation

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Donations and Gifts

An interview with Milagro Donor, David Smith

Thank you to our EXTRAORDINARY Milagro patron, David Smith of Graystone Builders, Inc. of New Hampshire.

In 2017, David, president and founder of Graystone Builders, began donating $5,000 per house that Graystone built and sold, to Carlos Santana's Milagro Foundation.

To date, David has donated over $350,000 to support Milagro children!

In 2021, a partnership with Graystone Builders, Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock,) the New Hampshire Department of Arts Education and Carlos Santana’s Milagro Foundation resulted in the development of a state-wide Modern Band music instruction program. To date, this partnership has trained 42 music teachers who teach thousands of New Hampshire's children in 32 schools across the state. This program continues to grow with NH state funding, donations and grants.

Below is an excerpt of our interview with David…

Could you share a personal story or experience that highlights the transformative power of music in your own life?

As a young boy, Abraxas by Santana was the third album I ever bought in my life. Carlos has been a mainstay for me over the past 50 years. The music he creates is the whole package. It's transformative and puts a person into a whole different mindset.

How do you approach philanthropy and community engagement beyond your support for music education? Are there other causes or initiatives that are close to your heart?

Feeding children is close to my heart. Every child needs a meal.

I remember my 4^th grade teacher Mr. Ferris who enriched my life in a way that no one else had. It made a huge mark on me. I love helping people. It’s not the money, it’s the feeling I get out of it.

How did you meet Carlos Santana? What was that first encounter like, and how did it lead to you becoming involved in his foundation?

At the time, my CPA and I were vetting charities to begin giving back. At the Santana concert in St. Louis, Missouri in 2017, I heard Carlos mention this concert was going to be helping the kids. I began researching the Milagro Foundation and then the earthquake happened in Mexico in 2017. I sent a check to Carlos Santana’s Milagro Foundation and have been supporting Milagro ever since.

How do you personally stay connected to the impact of the programs you support? Do you have any favorite moments or interactions that stand out to you?

I stay connected with the people who are making the programs happen for kids. They have the boots on the ground to carry out my vision.

Favorite moment: Marcia, Director of Education (Arts and Music) for New Hampshire Department of Education sent a letter updating me about how well they were doing, getting grants, getting funding from the state legislature…In closing, she stated, "David, none of this would have happened if it wasn’t for you starting the initial program.” That statement meant the world to me.

What motivates you to continue supporting organizations like the Milagro Foundation and Music Will (formerly Little Kids Rock)? What drives your passion for making a difference in the lives of young people through music?

As Carlos says, and I agree, it is our responsibility to help the people that need help if we can. I want to pay it forward.

How do you balance your professional responsibilities as the President of Graystone Builders, Inc. with your philanthropic endeavors?

Everything that we do has a charity hook to it. That is the way we do business. Both my business and my philanthropy go hand in hand…

Can you share any advice or words of wisdom for aspiring philanthropists who are looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities?

Donate to causes that give you a warm feeling in your soul and you will never stop.

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Shelley Brown

Ruthie Moutafian

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