The 4th Annual JAZZ on the Grass Benefit | Oct. 3rd, 2009

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The
Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), a premier scholarship organization
that supports deserving college students with financial need, will host
the 4th Annual JAZZ on the Grass benefit concert (JAZZ) on Saturday,
October 3, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Held at the private Sherman
Oaks estate of noted director and producer Oz and Lynne Scott, JAZZ
features three-time Grammy Award winner James Ingram and a list of
nationally and internationally-renowned artists including multi-Grammy
nominated recording artist Patrice Rushen, Grammy and Tony nominated
singer/songwriter Brenda Russell, and world-class drummer and
percussionist Ndugu.

“JAZZ on the Grass reflects the Foundation’s mission to
empower and uplift deserving college students,” said Della Britton
Baeza, President & CEO of JRF. “In today’s challenging economic
climate, students need financial and strategic support now more than
ever. JAZZ allows us to enhance and expand the comprehensive resources
that we provide to our bright Scholars.”

Rooted in the Robinson legacy of promoting social causes
through art, JAZZ on the Grass boasts four hours of live musical
performances, wonderful cuisine, and a silent auction. Hosted again
this year by Mistress of Ceremonies, Pat Prescott of 94.7 The WAVE,
JAZZ raises funds for JRF to continue its all-encompassing commitment
to young people, including the provision of financial support,
mentoring, professional development, internship and job placement, and
the imparting of practical life skills. With nearly a 100 percent
graduation rate, JRF has earned the distinction as one of the nation’s
most effective scholarship organizations.

“It is with incredible honor and enthusiasm that we open
our home in support of such a remarkable cause,” said Event Chair Oz
Scott who heads the JAZZ Host Committee, which includes Bill Cosby,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Salli Richardson, Dondre Whitfield, and Kenny
Rankin (posthumously) to name a few. “The Jackie Robinson legacy is
synonymous with advancement and empowerment. Lynne and I take
extraordinary pride in our alignment with such an important
organization.”

Although new to the west coast, JAZZ on the Grass’
historic roots span nearly five decades. Inspired by the March on
Washington, Jackie and Rachel Robinson organized their first jazz
concert at their home in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1963 to raise bail
money for jailed civil rights activists including the Reverend Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. The high-profile concert attracted some of the
most iconic names in jazz including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, and
Dizzy Gillespie. After Jackie Robinson’s death in 1972, the concert
became an east coast JRF fundraiser, eventually becoming a signature
west coast event when the Foundation opened its Los Angeles home in
2005. West coast performers have included: Lalah Hathaway, Marcus
Miller, Brian McKnight, Dave Koz, Jeffrey Osborne, Patti Austin, and
George Duke.

“The tremendous talent that JAZZ on the Grass attracts
reflects the artists’ commitment to the Robinson legacy,” said JAZZ on
the Grass Musical Director Sylvester Rivers. “Year after year, this
event has attracted some of the industry’s most gifted performers.”

JAZZ on the Grass also features the soaring musical
talents of JRF Scholars, including saxophonists Anthony Diamond and
Julian Clarkson, jazz percussionist Taylor Moore, and songstress Amanda
Patterson. In addition to serving as ambassadors of Robinson’s legacy,
this academically gifted group will grace the stage and display the
diverse talent of JRF scholarship recipients. Adding to the success of
JAZZ on the Grass, the event draws elite corporate sponsors such as
Ford Motor Company, American Airlines, CBS Corporation, Hennessy, New
Era Cap Company, Broadway Federal Bank, ESPN Zone LA LIVE, UCLA,
Anheuser-Busch, Nordstrom, City National Bank and Pepsi.

“Our alliance with major corporate supporters has
contributed to the Foundation’s nearly four decades of success,” said
JRF Associate Vice President Nichol Whiteman. “We applaud our sponsors
for their incredible commitment to preparing a generation of leaders
who will lead our nation into its next chapter of greatness.”

About the Jackie Robinson Foundation

Founded in 1973 in honor of civil rights activist and baseball
legend Jackie Robinson, JRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and
provides four-year college scholarships to minority students who
demonstrate academic distinction, leadership capacity, and financial
need. Transcending financial assistance, the Foundation equips its
Scholars with a comprehensive set of support services including
mentoring, career guidance and practical life skills helping them
succeed in both undergraduate and graduate studies. In the 2008-2009
academic year, the Jackie Robinson Foundation supported 279 Scholars
and Fellows attending 97 different colleges and universities across the
United States including Harvard University, UCLA, Spelman College, and
Howard University.

JAZZ on the Grass represents the Foundation’s diverse
fundraising strategy and continues to broaden its fan base. Tickets to
this exclusive event are on sale until September 6th for the “Early
Bird” price of $250. For additional information or to purchase tickets
to this limited-seating engagement, please contact ELMS Entertainment
at 323-936-5052. For artist updates or to purchase tickets online,
please visit www.jackierobinson.org/events/lajazz.php