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Supporters donate car to DMI Mobile Lab program

Musician Steve Azar, James Ceranti Motors and the St. Cecilia Foundation recently teamed up to donate a vehicle to the Delta Music Institute. Pictured are: (left to right): Steve Azar, Tricia Walker, James Ceranti, Vickie Jackson, Katt Grant and Travis Calvin.

James Ceranti Motors, country music star Steve Azar, and Azar’s St. Cecilia Foundation of Greenville, Miss. recently gifted the Delta Music Institute Entertainment Industry Studies program at Delta State University with a vehicle to support the DMI Mobile Lab and the DMI “Healing With A Groove” outreach programs.

“Ever since moving back home to the Delta and becoming an artist-in-residence at the Delta Music Institute, I have been fortunate enough and blessed to be a small part of a team that truly inspires not only students attending Delta State University, but also school children throughout our Delta,” said Azar.

The mission of the Steve Azar St. Cecilia Foundation is to raise funds for charitable organizations, particularly in the Delta region, that aid sick, disadvantaged and abused children. The foundation also supports the promotion and growth of art and music programs within educational and cultural institutions. Since it’s inception, the foundation has disbursed more than $400,000 to many organizations.

“The DMI has a teaching roadshow like no other, and I strongly believe that if you’re going to go out and continue to spread the arts and technology to our kids, then you have to have a vehicle to get you there, literally,” added Azar. “So when I called my dear friend James Ceranti and told him what was needed, he didn’t even blink — he just said let’s do this. So between my foundation and his dealerships, we were able and more than happy to help.”

Music industry veteran Tricia Walker, director of the DMI, said that the donated vehicle will allow for increased efficiency of the DMI external programs.

“We are very grateful to receive such generous support from James Ceranti Motors and Steve Azar and the St. Cecilia Foundation,” said Walker. “As business leaders in the Delta — not to mention leaders in community support — James Ceranti and Steve Azar stepped up with a donation that will be key in our ability to continue and expand our outreach into Delta communities on behalf of young students.”

The 2008 Nissan Altima will be a welcomed complement to the DMI Mobile Lab as it partners with schools and organizations throughout the Delta in introducing young students to songwriting, digital audio and music production.

The DMI is an independent center under the College of Arts & Sciences at Delta State University. The mission of the DMI is to provide students with a broad and thorough education in the technological, creative and business areas of the entertainment industries. The DMI offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Industry Studies. For more information, contact 662-846-4579 or visit www.deltastate.edu/dmi.