Clare Barry & Mackenzie Foundation Support Asheville Music School with Transformative Gift
Interview by Linda Kendall Fields
Recently, Asheville Music School received a generous gift of $25,000 from local resident and AMS student Clare Barry through the Mackenzie Foundation. Clare sat down with us to share her connection to the school, her passion for mental health, and her hopes for the future of music education in our community.
Linda Kendall Fields:
Clare, thank you for speaking with us today. You live here in Asheville and recently supported Asheville Music School with a very generous gift of $25,000. Could you tell us about your relationship with the school and what inspired this gift?
Clare Barry:
I’ve been a student at Asheville Music School for about a year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning to play the piano.
The reason we made this gift is threefold. First, we know that music is important for mental health and well-being. Second, in this technological age, music helps draw children away from screens and video games and gives them something meaningful that they can treasure for the rest of their lives by learning an instrument.
Third, we recognize that this is a challenging time for nonprofit organizations, especially those involved in the arts. Resources are tight, and we felt it was important to move forward and support the arts through Asheville Music School.
Linda Kendall Fields:
Thank you so much for sharing those reflections. Tell us a little about the Mackenzie Foundation and what made it possible for you to make such a meaningful gift.
Clare Barry:
You’re very welcome. The Mackenzie Foundation has focused primarily on efforts that support mental health and improve the lives of children.
While much of our work has been in Western North Carolina, we’ve also supported projects in India and Chile. Our goal has been to make a difference for children who otherwise would not have access to important services such as education or medical care.
In India, we supported programs that helped provide educational opportunities for girls. In Chile, we made a gift to a burn hospital to support facial reconstruction procedures for children who had suffered serious burn injuries. Without those procedures, many would have faced significant discrimination throughout their lives.
The genesis of the Mackenzie Foundation actually dates back to my time at the University of North Carolina, where I took a public policy course that changed my perspective from focusing on micro social work to macro social work. It opened my eyes to the tremendous needs that exist around the world.
I initially discussed these ideas with my mother, and she established the Mackenzie Foundation in 1999. In recent years, my brother and I have made additional contributions to the foundation, which increased our ability to support organizations and individuals who can benefit from our help.
Linda Kendall Fields:
Could you share a little more about your interest in mental health and how it relates to music?
Clare Barry:
Certainly. I think I can best answer that on a personal level.
I have experienced anxiety myself, and I find music to be incredibly calming. It helps me focus and brings a sense of balance to my life.
There is still a great deal of stigma surrounding mental health challenges and seeking help. Music provides a positive outlet and can be a powerful source of comfort and healing. For me personally, it has added tremendously to my quality of life, and I believe it can do the same for many others.
Linda Kendall Fields:
As we wrap up, I’d love for you to share your hopes for Asheville Music School, its teachers, staff, and students in the years ahead.
Clare Barry:
My hope is that this story will inspire families, foundations, nonprofits, and corporations to support Asheville Music School.
The school makes a lasting difference not only in the lives of students, but also in the lives of their families and throughout the broader community that Asheville Music School serves. At a time when many nonprofits are facing declining resources, I hope others will recognize the tremendous value of music education and join in supporting this important work.
