Najee Carter, 11-year-old resident of Pontiac, MI, and naturally talented pianist, dreamed of having his very piano some day and made “piano” the only item on his Christmas wish list. With the help of a local Pontiac friend, Lillian Schwartz, Najee’s wish came true.

As reported in the Oakland Press, Lillian contacted the newspaper, which then featured a story about Najee, his musicianship and his dream. The article was read by residents from all over Michigan, and calls came in offering donations from Grand Rapids, Pontiac, Detroit, Rochester and Claswson. Lillian decided on a Baldwin Acrosonic upright piano for Najee, given by local Pontiac resident Cowella Roth.

Self-taught form the age of six, Najee had been practicing on neighbors’ pianos for the past five years. “I learned to play by ear and by heart,” Najee told the Press.

“This (Baldwin) came all of a sudden,” said Najee’s mother. “It’s a blessing from above.”

Lillian left no stone unturned as she worked with Larry KcKenzie, owner of McKenzie Moving and Freight Systems in Pontiac, who donated of all the Baldwin delivery and tuning arrangements and expenses.

“Najee now has the opportunity to shine,” said Lillian. “I’m happy to be able to be put in a position where I can help this exceptionally talented boy who will write music and compose, and I know this piano will help him reach that point.”