Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats partners with WDIV Local 4, Smooth Jazz V98.7 and United Way for Southeastern Michigan to raise funds for Feed the Mind

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jennifer L. Cherry
(248) 855-6777
(586) 212-3122

“Twenty-four Hours of Jazz” pairs popular radio and television personalities with renowned jazz musicians to raise funds and awareness for early literacy programs

PONTIAC, MI, AUGUST 28, 2006 – CHRYSLER ARTS, BEATS & EATS not only brings the most talented artists, musicians and delicious cuisines to Pontiac Labor Day weekend, September 1-4, but it also helps raise money to benefit the Feed the Mind project, a special partnership with the festival and United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Proceeds from Feed the Mind support early childhood literacy programs sponsored by United Way. Several of Michigan’s most well-known jazz musicians, with popular national acts, will perform on the 24 Hours of Jazz Stage presented by WDIV Local 4 and Smooth Jazz V98.7 to raise awareness of this cause.

Jazz fans can attend performances by such musicians as Larry Lee & Back in the Day, Jessie Palter Quartet, Hot Rice, Lin Rountree & the Groove, Randy Scott and many more. Shows are on Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m.–8 p.m. and Monday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Feed the Mind project increases awareness of United Way’s early literacy programs throughout the tri-county area and stresses the importance of early learning and its impact on children’s lives. Festival-goers have the opportunity to make donations at the 24 Hours of Jazz Stage or at the Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats food ticket booths on Saginaw Street. Additionally, donations may be made online at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Web site at www.uwsem.org.

“We have a civic responsibility and opportunity to significantly enhance literacy and learning opportunities for children in our region,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We are grateful to partner with Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats, WDIV Local 4 and Smooth Jazz V98.7 for the Feed the Mind project.”

Throughout the weekend WDIV Local 4 and Smooth Jazz personalities lend their support to the United Way’s cause, intermittently addressing crowds regarding the importance of early childhood literacy. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet on-air personalities. United Way spokespeople will provide information encouraging the importance of reading to children early on.

The 24 Hours of Jazz Stage is located in the heart of the festival on the Southwest corner of Pike and Saginaw Street. For more information on how to participate in the Feed the Mind project or to learn about United Way’s early childhood literacy programs visit www.uwsem.org.

“Help children read and they’ll learn forever.”

The annual Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats, Oakland County's Taste, Music & Arts Festival, is held over Labor Day weekend, September 1-4, 2006, in downtown Pontiac. The four-day Festival will be open from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Labor Day Monday. For additional public information, visit www.artsbeatseats.com, or call (248) 334-4600.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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