“An Evening of Jazz” to benefit orphaned children of Africa

Dion Fearon

Jazz, Jazz and more Jazz.  On August 2^nd, 2009 Los Angeles Police Department Captain Ann E. Young, former NBA player turned NASCAR racer Derek Strong and Co-owner Erica Hill, the smoothest saxophonist around, Mark Allen Felton, classically trained, sultry soul singer Kim Yarbrough, actor Brandon Fobbs from the hit HBO crime show “The Wire” and oldest son and namesake of legendary Hall of Fame boxer Sugar Ray Leonard Jr.,  Ray Leonard Jr., will join The ASHÉ Foundation for “An Evening of Jazz”; an exclusive Wine Tasting, Jazz Benefit and Auction.

 

The fundraiser will be hosted in one of the original historic buildings of Old Pasadena, RedWhite+Bluezz Jazz Club, located at 101 East Green Street, Old Pasadena, CA, August 2^nd, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the successful distribution of shoes, soccer equipment, clothing and medical supplies to 3000 children in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire who have been orphaned by the devastating effects caused by HIV/AIDS and the destructive second civil war in Liberia. The industry’s most distinguished celebrities, esteemed business executives, and community leaders will all gather to sample wines from several wineries, indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres, and bid on an eclectic group of auction items.

 

Executive Director Dion Fearon birth The ASHÉ Foundation in March 2008 with a mission to change the lives of millions of children orphaned by the overwhelming effects caused by HIV/AIDS in African nations. Through the foundation’s efforts, new and or gently warn shoes, clothing, basic necessities, and services are collected and distributed to aid the disadvantaged and underprivileged children of African nations. “The work that The ASHÉ Foundation does is nothing less than outstanding”, said Mark Allen Felton. The goal of the foundation is to change the world two feet at a time.

 

The festivities will be emceed by RedWhite+Bluezz Jazz Club General Manger and Sommelier, Russ Meek. Attendees will have an opportunity to sample unlimited delicious masterpieces from savory cuisine tasting stations and vintage wines. Excellent wine selections have been chosen by the sommelier from famous regions in Italy, Spain, France, South Africa, Australia, and here in the United States.  Guest will further enjoy live performances by L.A.’s most renowned bassist composer Ryan Cross with special performances by sultry singer Kim Yarbrough.

 

An expansive Silent and Live Auction of premier items will feature famous boxing sports memorabilia, an all expense paid trip to Maputo, Mozambique with the foundation in 2010 worth more than $7000 and an Erté Hand Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Serigraph valued at over $5000.