MG Educational Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization, is hosting their 'Jazz Fabulous Concert and Dance Party' on April 27 at the Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago.
This will be MGEF's second annual fundraising event. The goal for this year says Michael Clay, Chairman and one of the founders of MGEF, is to raise funds for college students who are economically challenged but dedicated to their studies.
"We want to present a scholarship this year and every year, to a qualifying Augustana student".
The 'Jazz Fabulous Concert and Dance Party' will kick off with an electrifying concert performance from the young and talented jazz drummer-percussionist Taylor Moore, followed by a night of dancing.
Clay says he took notice of Moore, when he attended a jazz concert at Room 43 in Chicago, hosted by the Hyde Park Jazz Society.
"When I saw Taylor perform and was told that she was only 23", exclaims Clay, "I knew she could be an inspiration to young adults, so MGEF invited her to headline our spring scholarship fundraising event".
{ Click Here to see Taylor Moore's jazz performance on ABC7 'Windy City Live' }
{ Click Here to visit Taylor Moore's music website }
Longtime MGEF supporter and 1979 Augustana graduate, Dr. Willie J. Rucker, reflects on how the mission started over 30 years ago. "We were a group of males from all walks of life with one goal, to graduate from Augustana College and be successful in our careers", explains Dr. Rucker, a dentist serving the Chicago's south suburbs.
"The foundation that we created helps young men today, to continue their goals and the MGEF mission".
Many Augustana alumni are contributing as major supporters, thanks to MG Educational Foundation's outreach to board members, former classmates and graduates.
One of the event's Diamond Sponsors is Augustana College alumnae Dr. Millicent Knight, founder of North Shore Eye Center in Evanston, Illinois.
"I believe we all have a collective responsibility to do our part", exclaims Dr. Knight, "to help those students who are doing their best to achieve their academic goals".
Dr. Milton Davenport, Augustana College class of 2001, knows first hand how important it is to reach professional success through scholarships. "During my time at Augustana, I was keenly aware of the many mentors that emotionally, mentally, and financially supported my goals", expresses Dr. Davenport, an Endodontics specialist based in Chicago. "Without their support I would not have succeeded".
The 'Jazz Fabulous Concert and Dance Party' has also attracted corporate businesses in Chicago. Elsie Cardell is the president of Signature Products, the manufacturer and national distributor of the popular AROSCI hair care product line. She shares the same goal of MGEF's mission.
"It is hugely important to support students who have a desire for education and need financial assistance", expresses Cardell, a major sponsor of the Jazz Fabulous' event. "Dreaming is the foundation of achievement, and when a student can’t obtain the education needed, dreams are deferred".
Augustana is a national liberal arts college, sprawled over a 115 acre campus located in Rock Island, Illinois. It offers a variety of undergraduate studies that include Biochemistry, Business Administration, Engineering Physics and Pre-Medicine.
Tony Schumann, a 1981 graduate, was recruited to play football for the college. He's now a lawyer and partner in the Chicago based law firm Grant-Schumann, LLC.
"I encourage students now to be open minded and explore different avenues and niches of potential employment", explains Schumann. "It is important that they forge the friendship of others while in school, because you never know how those friends can and will be sources of great assistance in the future".
MG Educational Foundation was established in 2008 and comprised of Augustana alumni. Their mission is to provide both moral and financial assistance to students completing their academic endeavors.
Supporters of MGEF's 'Jazz Fabulous' event include Dr. Willie J. Rucker, North Shore Eye Center, Integrative Eye Wellness Center, AROSCI, Advanced Endodontics Of Chicago, Grant-Schumann, LLC and EXAMINER.com.
{ Click Here to visit MG Educational Foundation }
The 'Jazz Fabulous Concert and Dance Party' is expecting over 150 party goers. The fundraiser is open to the public and tickets can be purchased by visiting the MG Educational Foundation website at mgeducationalfoundation.org.
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