Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Smith
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I founded The Blueheart Foundation 334 as a way to support underserved youth and families in the Montgomery area. I try to serve through a variety of unique activities. I mentor high school band kids and prepare them for collegiate band. I donate funds for new uniforms and instruments. I also played the tuba for the Carver High School Mighty Marching Wolverine Band and later in the university band, the Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornet Band. I’ve been mentoring the kids at Carver High School for 18 years now. I talk to them about band, music and life. I also hold a high school drum line competition. Kids who participate in this competition have the opportunity to apply for scholarships during the competition, because college recruiters attend. The first-place trophy is six feet tall. Everybody wants to win it. We also hold a free school supply giveaway every year for kids in the Montgomery County Public School System.
Once a month, I surprise one lucky customer at a grocery store with $100. I wait until they’ve filled their cart and placed their items on the belt. Then, I tell them that I’m paying for their groceries. This is a huge hit in Montgomery.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
To be honest since I started The BlueHeart Foundation 334, it has been a slight struggle along the way, but none the less it has been a successful and pleasant journey to help families and kids right here in the Montgomery, Alabama area.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The BlueHeart Foundation 334 specializes in giving back to less fortunate families. The BlueHeart Foundation 334 is known for hosting High School Marching Band Events to help keep our kids motivated to stay out of the streets and continue to move forward with music. What sets me apart from others is the fact that we “INSPIRE OTHERS TO BE GREAT.” That includes making sure our kids are setup for success, meaning that I give them something to look forward to, My most proud brand wise would be my FREE School Supply Giveaways that I have every year around July and August. This is when I have 3 FREE School Supply Giveaway in 3 different cities, dedicated to 3 individuals who passed away from childhood diseases. I wanted to create a foundation that helps less fortunate individuals and families directly and help keep Marching Band programs alive. I got to where I am today through great partnerships with other organizations and fresh ideas.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The next 5-10 Years I can see my nonprofit getting really big, especially within the marching band community. I want people to fully understand that Marching Band programs like Carver High School (Montgomery) and The Alabama State University Mighty Marching Hornet Band saves kids lives. Without band programs I honestly wouldn’t have no idea where I would be in life, without the guidance from Carlton Wright, and Dr. James B. Oliver.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Bluesk1Blue
- Facebook: The Blueheart Foundaion 334
- Youtube: Brian Smith