By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
Whether he is involved with music or helping others, it's safe to say that Blake Blackim is passionate about what he does.
Earlier this summer, Blackim, president of Midwest Music, was recognized for his efforts when he was named by Ingram's to the 2020 class of "50 Kansans You Should Know."
According to the Ingram's article, the people in the class of 2020 were selected "for their over-sized contributions to business success, civic engagement, philanthropic zeal and shared interest in moving their communities forward, and by extension, advancing the interests of an entire state."
The class includes a rich mix of Kansans, from "business executives, athletes, artists, educators and scholars, hailing from the ranks of health care, real estate, agriculture, banking, manufacturing, hospitality and more," the story noted.
Blackim, it would seem, is a good fit for this group.
Not only is he a long-time supporter of music education through Midwest Music, serving both individuals and schools, but he also makes music himself as a part of the local band, the Sunset Sinners, and before that with the band Rock Garden.
READ: 'Heavy hitter' Nashville songwriters behind latest Sunset Sinners single
Through the bands, Blackim has organized fundraisers, including for downtown Salina's Stiefel Theatre, as well as a Red, White & Brews concert for military personnel, veterans, and first responders.
"That, honestly, to me is my favorite, because we're so passionate about supporting military, veterans, first responders and so on," Blackim said.
He also has started working with the Connor's Cuddles Foundation, a Belleville organization that makes and distributes blankets to children's hospitals and individual children battling health issues.
READ: Honoring the memory of a son gone too soon with love and blankets
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Salina banker Mike Berkley also was selected by Ingram's for the 2020 class, however, he declined a Salina Post request to be interviewed.