Drum Smith Owner to Raise Funds for Smarts

YOUNGSTOWN. Ohio – Doug Smith, owner of The Drum Smith, plans to retire this summer and ride his bicycle across America to support Students Motivated by the Arts, or Smarts, a art school program for kids based in downtown Youngstown.

Smith’s nine-week trek, “Going the Distance for Smarts,” will take him from Astoria, Oregon, to Virginia Beach, Virginia. He plans to ride 60 miles per day.

“The importance of the arts in education is something I feel very strongly about,” said Smith.  “I was in outside sales in the percussion industry for 17 years, so I’ve got friends all across the country. I plan to visit as many as possible and hopefully make many new friends as well, all while drumming up donations for Smarts. It’s a great organization doing wonderful things for kids that otherwise would not be exposed to music and art education.” 

Smarts provides access and early training in the arts for pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with a focus on underserved populations. It offers free classes in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and creative writing in an effort to inspire self-discovery, promote student achievement, and impact cultural and academic literacy.

Donations toward Smith’s “Going the Distance for Smarts” ride can be made by visiting the Smarts website at SmartsArtSchool.org. 

Smith’s percussion shop, The Drum Smith, along with the building in Struthers are for sale. For more information visit DrumSmithonline.com. 

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.