Our Community Presence

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Jazzin’ with Jack and Jill 

The Charlotte Chapter proudly supports Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc, the philanthropic arm of the National organization, with its signature fundraiser, “Jazzin’ with Jack and Jill”.  For nearly 10 years, the Chapter has invited the Charlotte community to “party with a purpose” at a fun-filled event highlighted by live jazz from local and national jazz artists.  This year’s Jazzin’ event was a Brunch and Fashion Show featuring incredible musician Shableek and sophisticated designs by Haute Exclusive and DW Designs on April 17, 2016 at the Design Center Atrium at Byron’s South End.  The professional models were joined by special guest models from our community including:

Camille Davidson Fuller                 Charlotte Chapter President
Ericka Bryant                                    News Personality
Kendall Taylor                                  Local Businessman
Herb Gray                                         Local Philanthropist
Janine Davis                                     Radio Personality
Laura Bynum                                    Queen City Chapter President
Nichelle Levy                                    South Charlotte Chapter President
Omar Tyree                                      NY Times Best Selling Author
Trevor Fuller                                     Chair, Board of County Commissioners
Yandrick Paraison                           Professional model

Proceeds from our “pink carpet” event benefitted the Phasing Up Foster Care Initiative at Johnson C. Smith University.  Phasing Up is a comprehensive collegiate program with a focus on funding to ease the transition from foster care to independent living for the growing number of at-risk youth who are phasing out due to the age restrictions of the foster care system.  JCSU has implemented a program unlike anywhere else in the nation to provide a supportive surrogate family for this unique population during their college careers so  that they may lead successful, productive lives in their communities.   The Charlotte Chapter has committed to a collaborative partnership with the Phasing Up program by donating funds as well as providing “mother-mentors” to these exceptional young people during their college years and beyond. Our Chapter’s goal is to do what we can to assist Phasing Up to achieve its mission of removing societal and economic barriers and changing the trajectory of the lives of these impressive students.  
 
If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a Phasing Up program to offer new possibilities to a young adult phasing out of foster care! 

For news on the proceeds:
http://on.wsoctv.com/2bI5Ox8 


For more information regarding the Guardian Scholars Program, visit the Johnson C. Smith website: http://www.jcsu.edu/about/foster-care-initiative/phasing-up-to-new-possibilities-program2