First Coast Cultural Center (FCCC) has launched its Sound of Giving Campaign, which continues through July in support of Sound Connections Music Therapy, a free program serving students in St. Johns County schools.
The campaign has raised $62,000 toward its $200,000 goal to help students with diverse abilities strengthen communication and social-emotional, academic and behavioral skills through music-based interventions.
“This valuable program is not possible without community support,” said Candice Sirak, board-certified music therapist and Sound Connections clinical manager. “It is incredibly rewarding to watch students grow academically, socially and emotionally through the program.”
Funds raised will help First Coast Cultural Center sustain current services, support existing classrooms, and expand where needs are greatest during the upcoming 2026-27 school year.
Founded in 2006, Sound Connections has grown from a single pilot school into a long-running outreach program serving students from pre-K through fifth grade during the school day. In the 2025-26 school year, the program reached more than 300 students ages 3 to 12 each week across four schools and 26 classrooms. It supports communication, reading readiness, social interaction, emotional regulation and classroom engagement.
The program has served schools across St. Johns County, including Cunningham Creek Elementary, Ocean Palms Elementary, PVPV/Rawlings Elementary, Valley Ridge Academy, The Webster School, Osceola Elementary and Crookshank Elementary.
“When words fall short, music speaks,” said Ashleigh Cruze, FCCC’s development director. “Support for this program helps students with diverse abilities continue learning, communicating and connecting in meaningful ways.”
Cruze also thanked current campaign supporters, including Persbacker-Wyman Family Foundation, Lazzara Family Foundation, Find Your Light Foundation, Schoolhouse Products Inc., and School Outfitters.
Donations can be made at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/soundconnectionsmusictherapy.
