Singer Josh Groban donates to RAW, invites group to concert at Garden

LYNN – Shelby Morrison didn?t know she?d be receiving anything other than jet lag when she returned from the Americans and the Arts conference in California, let alone a donation from multi-platinum singer Josh Groban.?This is a really cool opportunity, something rare we don?t really get,” said the RAW Art Works Marketing and Communications Manager. “Someone calls us and says ?hey come do this thing and we?ll give you money.?”The Lynn non-profit was selected by Groban?s Find Your Light Foundation, an organization that aims to support arts and cultural programs for youth. When looking for 11 such programs in cities along Groban?s ongoing “Straight To You” tour, which includes a stop in Boston, Find Your Light contacted their partner Americans and the Arts, which directed them to RAW.While the amount of the donation is yet to be announced by Groban?s representatives, Morrison says the Find Your Light Facebook page has posted other organizations receiving $3,000.Samantha Phillips, Groban?s assistant, said the amount will be known by RAW after Groban?s concert at the TD Garden in Boston on Tuesday night, when the check will be written.In addition to the money, RAW was asked to attend Groban?s concert. While all of RAW is invited, Morrison says only 16 from Tuesday?s summer program will be attending due to an extended day, though RAW educates a total of 800 young people a year in their programs. “Not every kid could go because it?s a late trip,” said Morrison.The kids will have the opportunity to meet with Groban before the concert, and will be “recognized from the stage” during the show.In a press release, Groban gave his reasoning for sponsoring programs like RAW. “Ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience an arts education is very important to me,” said Groban. “RAW shares this goal with me, and it gives me great pleasure to highlight the work they do.”Groban is known for his hit song “You Raise Me Up.” His tour will support his new album “Illuminations.”