eliotsmith
In July, a new organization joined the ranks of nearly 18,000 nonprofits in Kentucky. But, unlike most of those other nonprofits, this new organization is run by a 15-year-old.
William Eliot Smith, a sophomore at Henry Clay High School, is the owner and incorporator of Dreamstrings, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to collecting unwanted musical instruments, refurbishing them and distributing them to students in need.
Smith is a typical high-school student who plays on the Henry Clay tennis team, dabbles in stock trading with guidance from his dad, and loves playing music on his hand-me-down electric guitar. He attends the Henry Clay Liberal Arts Academy for gifted and talented students.
Earlier this year, an assignment he completed for his freshman Advanced Academy Citizenship class was entered in the 22nd annual Secretary of State’s essay contest by his teacher. His entry won first place in the ninth-grade essay competition. His essay was about government regulation of speech in the context of elections. The $1,500 award was presented by Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, thanks to sponsors Houchens Industries, KEA Retired, Turner Construction, the University of Kentucky Scripps Howard First Amendment Center and US Bank.
While most teenagers would put the prize money in a college fund, spend it at the electronics store or use it for a down payment on a car someday, Smith knew immediately he wanted to use it to share his love of music with other students who may not have the means to buy musical instruments. Secretary Grimes advised him on how to incorporate Dreamstrings, Inc., and in July, she walked him through the process, including Smith’s difficult decision of coming up with a business name.
“It’s great to see young Kentuckians who are engaged in and supporting their communities and the state,” said Grimes. “With driven students like Eliot leading the way, I know Kentucky’s best and brightest days are ahead.”
Smith credits his uncle, David M. Smith, who passed away a few years ago, as his inspiration for creating Dreamstrings. David Smith was recognized in 2007 with a Technical GRAMMY Award, given to individuals who make contributions of outstanding technical significance to the recording industry. In honor of his uncle, Smith said, “I wanted to give back to the community and those around me.”
Realizing that many instruments are gathering dust in the back of a closet or attic, Smith is soliciting donations and spreading the word about Dreamstrings. He recently distributed flyers in his Lexington neighborhood. He also plans to place posters at school and, with the help of his older cousin, will be creating a Dreamstrings webpage soon. Facebook and Twitter will also be used to create a buzz and solicit donations.
Smith has already received several used guitars and other instruments. The original concept was to collect stringed instruments because of Smith’s family’s familiarity with them, but he has been offered instruments of all types. He decided to accept any instruments in good condition or with the potential to be refurbished. If he is unable to repair or refurbish them himself, he will use the prize money to pay for repair costs that are not donated. For guitars and other stringed instruments, Smith and his father will replace lost strings and provide other minor maintenance. For major repairs, Willcutt Guitar Shoppe on Rosemont Garden in Lexington has agreed to help out.
After the instruments are ready to distribute, Smith has enlisted the help of his neighbor Van Alford, who serves on the advisory board of the Salvation Army.
“The Salvation Army has a very vigorous music program,” Alford said. Alford has agreed to approach the Salvation Army and its Boys and Girls Clubs to help identify students in need and to assist with distribution efforts.
Smith said he looks forward to giving away the first instruments.
“Eliot is a very thoughtful young man,” Alford said. “He is diligent and industrious and his heart is in the right place.”
Smith hopes to study business or finance in college and thinks he may become a hedge fund manager or trust officer someday. To donate usable musical instruments of any kind, recommend a recipient, or help his cause, contact Smith at (859)358-7151.