Jackie Robinson Foundation Holds Jazz Benefit

 LOS ANGELES  -- The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), a highly touted organization which provides financial grants and support services to deserving college students, will host the 5th Anniversary JAZZ on the Grass benefit concert (JAZZ) on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 2 p.m. in Sherman Oaks, California at the estate of Lynne and Oz Scott, renowned director and producer.  

"We are extremely proud to continue this rich JAZZ tradition in support of our Scholars," said Nichol Whiteman, JRF Vice President, Western Region Officer.  "The 5th anniversary celebration reflects our commitment to enhancing resources for motivated students in pursuit of a college education."

Rooted in the Robinson legacy of promoting social causes through art, JAZZ boasts four hours of live musical performances, cuisine, and a silent auction featuring vacation packages, sports, and music memorabilia.  Hosted by comedian/actor Chris Spencer, JAZZ raises funds for JRF's comprehensive program including financial support, mentoring, and professional development.  With a nearly 100 percent graduation rate, JRF has earned the distinction as one of the nation's most effective scholarship organizations.  

Led by event chairs, Lynne and Oz Scott, the JAZZ host committee includes Bill Cosby, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hattie Winston,Harold Wheeler, and Sylvester Rivers (JAZZ Musical Director) to name a few. As part of the fifth anniversary celebration, JRF will present long-time supporter Pat Prescott of 94.7 The WAVE with the inaugural Jackie Robinson Foundation IMPACT Award.  The award recognizes Prescott's invaluable advocacy for the Foundation and her service as an Inspiration, Mentor, Philanthropist, Activist, Community leader, and Trailblazer. 

JAZZ on the Grass' roots span nearly five decades. Inspired by the March on Washington, Jackie and Rachel Robinsonorganized their first jazz concert at their home in Stamford, Connecticut in 1963 to raise bail money for jailed civil rights activists, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Following Jackie Robinson's death in 1972, the concert became a JRF fundraiser on the east coast and since 2005, has become the signature west coast event. The west coast benefit has featured Patti Austin,George Duke, Lalah Hathaway, James Ingram, Dave Koz, Brian McKnight, Marcus Miller, Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Rankin, andBrenda Russell.

Further demonstrating the success of JAZZ, the event draws elite corporate sponsors such as Ford Motor Company, Hennessy, New Era Cap Company, Anheuser-Busch, American Airlines, CBS Corporation, Deloitte, Broadway Federal Bank,UCLA, Nordstrom, Wells Fargo, and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.