Hanging With the Lance Tilton Foundation

Become a Roadie Today

Sitting at a table in the Vortex Bar and Grill on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta,I am chowing down on some fish and chips, fully aware that although I’ve only just met most of the people at this table, it feels like I’ve known them much longer. Earlier in the day I offered to write an article about them, and I soon found myself needing to know more about the people and organization that I had offered to help.

So here I sit at a dinner, with folks who I have only met hours before, laughing quite heartily as two birthday cards try to “sneak” around the extra large table so that everyone can sign them. Needless to say, they don’t make it undetected, but they almost do. And that is when I realize that the group I am sitting with is a rather remarkable group of people, their interaction clearly displaying the closeness and fondness that they have for each other despite the many miles, occupations, and backgrounds that should and sometimes does separate them.

But what brings them together right now, and moreover what keeps them together is the fact that everyone at this table has the same goal, their commitment to honoring the memory of Lance Tilton.

Depending on who you’re talking to he was a band-mate, a brother, a brother-in-law, as on, and/or most importantly a friend. I get the impression as I sit amongst the group, that I would have loved this guy; I do believe the adage goes, “tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are”. Or the one that goes,“birds of a feather flock together”.  And with a flock of friends and family who seem determined to live life to the fullest, while simultaneously spreading music and love to as many deserving kids as they can, I believe it fair to conclude that Lance Tilton was a pretty awesome dude.

The People behind The Lance Tilton Foundation

So awesome in fact that not even a full year after his untimely death, this group of family and friends are volunteering their time, resources and expertise to the Lance Tilton Foundation.

LTF,as it is often called, was founded by Lance’s brother and sister, Troy Tilton and Ginger Tilton-Heise. It’s purpose is provide funding for selected students,between the ages of 12 and 16, to be able to further their musical education and instruction with highly qualified instructors. The students have show that they have had instruction in the past, and that their parents/guardians are unable to continue these lessons due to financial hardships.

In other words this Foundation is looking to find kids who have the same sort of passion as Lance exhibited throughout his 29 years to help them continue their musical growth.

LTF is also looking to distribute instruments to deserving students and musical programs who lack the funding to do so themselves.

Thismeans that for the average Joe like you and me, we can get involved in many different ways.

1)       Donate new or gently used instruments to the Foundation

2)       Donate new or gently used pro-audio equipment, gear and/or supplies

3)       Become a Groupie on Facebook, Twitter or Myspace

4)       Visit the LTF store

Otherwise:

Visit the website at LanceTiltonFoundation.org often to learn more of coming events and promotions. In the works is a Benefit Concert, tentatively planned for this summer; and a CD is in the works with some of the artists who support the Foundation, so like I said,check back with them often!!!

Origianlly posted on www.becomingalifeleader.blogspot.com