On Thursday,
November 10, 2016, the Keepers of The Promise will treat Pittsburghers to
"A Night of a Million Possibilities," an exclusive gala evening
featuring internationally acclaimed jazz musician and composer Wynton Marsalis
and his small group, at a concert celebrating the success of The Pittsburgh
Promise and its scholars.
This one night only event is expected to raise $1 million
for The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship Fund which is working toward raising $68
million in order to sustain scholarships at least through the class of 2028.
Thus far, The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship Fund has achieved 73% of its $250
million fundraising goal, and has invested more than $74 million by sending 6,279
qualifying Pittsburgh Public Schools graduates to post-secondary education and
a prosperous future.
"A Night of a Million Possibilities" is being
hosted by a broad-based advocacy group known as the "Keepers of the
Promise," which operates exclusively to support and promote the work of
The Pittsburgh Promise by increasing visibility and awareness through outreach
and fundraising initiatives.
In addition to entertaining Pittsburghers at the November
gala, Wynton Marsalis, a renowned educator and arts advocate, plans to conduct
a special Master Class for high school music students representing Pittsburgh
Public Schools, during his visit.
"Pittsburgh's future depends on helping its young
people to fulfill their dreams," said Wynton Marsalis. "I'm so glad
to be part of a musical celebration in Pittsburgh where the community comes
together to fund education and create limitless possibilities for urban
youth," added Mr. Marsalis.
Founder of Legendary Entertainment Thomas Tull and his wife
Alba, who make Pittsburgh their second home, have agreed to be honorary
co-chairs for the event. Mr. Tull is Chairman of the Board and CEO of Legendary
Entertainment which has co-produced the recent major motion pictures, Jurassic
World and Straight Outta Compton as well as producing Krampus, the Gothic
Horror film Crimson Peak, Godzilla, Pacific Rim, and the Jackie Robinson biopic
42. Mr. Tull is also part of the ownership group of the Pittsburgh Steelers
football team.
"Alba and I are proud to be a part of one of
Pittsburgh's great causes to help the next generation realize their
potential," said Thomas Tull. "Getting more students to continue
their education or training beyond high school benefits everyone. We're looking
forward to this special evening with our Pittsburgh neighbors and enjoying the
talents of Wynton Marsalis."
Commenting on plans for the Gala, Pittsburgh Promise
Executive Director Saleem Ghubril said, "Nothing is more important to us
than shining the light on, and fueling the fires of, our city's kids, in whom
live millions and millions of possibilities. We are exhilarated by the 'Keepers
of the Promise,' their commitment to the mission of The Pittsburgh Promise, and
their support of this gala. We are so thankful to Thomas and Alba Tull for
deepening their engagement in Pittsburgh through investing in the futures of
our kids. On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, and supporters, we are
beyond thrilled to have the great Wynton Marsalis visit with our high school
music students and perform at our November Gala."
"A Night of a Million Possibilities" will take
place on Thursday, November 10, 2016, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at downtown
Pittsburgh's Wyndham Grand Hotel. For information about purchasing tickets,
tables, or sponsorships, visit www.PittsburghPromise.org/gala, or call
412-745-2220. Individual tickets are $250 and table sponsorships start at
$2,500. Corporate sponsorships are also available.
Wynton Marsalis, a New Orleans native, is an internationally
acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader, educator and a leading advocate of
American culture. He has recorded more
than 80 jazz and classical recordings, which have won him nine GRAMMY® awards
and sold over 7 million copies worldwide. Marsalis made history in 1997, when
he became the first jazz musician ever to win the Pulitzer Prize for his
oratorio Blood on the Fields. He has written six books including: Jazz ABZ: An
A to Z Collection of Jazz Portraits, illustrated by poster artist Paul Rogers;
Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life with Geoffrey C. Ward;
and Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!, also illustrated by Paul Rogers.
Wynton's lifetime commitment to inspiring and uplifting
people though artistic excellence in jazz, has had an unparalleled impact both
in the United States and around the world. He serves as the Managing and
Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Director of Jazz Studies at
the Juilliard School in New York City.
The Pittsburgh Promise, a scholarship program for Pittsburgh
Public Schools students, advocates for improving the quality of education and
increasing the preparedness and diversity of the region's workforce. Pittsburgh
has the largest Promise program in the United States. For more information
about The Pittsburgh Promise, visit www.pittsburghpromise.org
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