Sam Lehrer of Miami and his family have supported charities and nonprofits that strengthen communities for years.
Getting involved in the annual Island Time Music Festivals, he helps spread awareness of and raise funds for the Little Yellow School House, which is the only educational facility on the island dedicated to disadvantaged children.
Besides working as a successful professional, Samuel Lehrer spends his time as a volunteer and supporter of many charities both in his community and afar. Working with organizations on the Mexican island of Isla Mujeres, he helps boost aid to educational facilities that help local disadvantaged children and their families.
“The people of Isla Mujeres are inviting and uniquely caring,” says Sam Lehrer of Miami, “but they need help financially to strengthen the aid they provide to their community. Through the Island Time Music Festival each year, they raise thousands of dollars for the Little Yellow School House alone.”
The festival is an annual celebration that draws in many visitors to the island in support of nonprofits geared to help disadvantaged children in the area. It’s combined with the annual Fishing Fest during a week-long festival that is perfect for music lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike. Plus, the event offers the chance for attendees to interact with writers and performers in a welcoming environment on the beautiful island between shows.
Each year, world-class performers take the stage at intimate venues across the island. At the same time, those in the fishing tournament enjoy the bright, warm waters of Mexico as they compete for the best sailfish catch in four categories. 100% of all proceeds of both the event and the tournament are donated to the Little Yellow School House on Isla Mujeres. The LYSH is also managed retired business executive volunteers with various business back rounds, so 100% of all funds go into operating the facility. The little yellow schoolhouse is truly a labor of love.
“The Little Yellow School House is the only educational facility of its kind on the entire island,” says Sam Lehrer of Miami. “Without its help, children with special needs would not have access to quality education that sets them up for success and helps them integrate into regular schooling.”
The Little Yellow School House provides special education as well as support and guidance for the families of special needs children. It doesn’t pursue any religious or political agendas and aims to prepare kids to reenter traditional schooling through individualized care that covers psychological, speech, physical and gross motor skills.
Through the help of volunteers like Sam Lehrer of Miami and the proceeds from the Island Time Music Festival and fishing tournament, the organization has grown from a single-room school to a facility with four classrooms, two consulting rooms, and a kitchen.
“People come out here to enjoy the beautiful scenery and partake in the events and tournaments,” says Sam Lehrer of Miami, “but they’re changing the lives of special needs kids and their families on the island in the process, whether they know it or not.”
