The Porch Swing at The Gem to Feature Evening of KC Jazz Greats

April 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Tim Whitmer's Jazz orchestra will headline the evening of music, food and fun benefitting the Front Porch Alliance (FPA).

“We hope the community will join us for a great evening of wonderful guests, delicious food and amazing entertainers May 7, all in celebration of the remarkable youth who live in the urban neighborhoods served by the Front Porch Alliance," said Patsy Shawver, FPA executive director.  

The special evening starts at 6:30 p.m. at the American Jazz Museum located at 18th and Vine, with refreshments accompanied by entertainment from the Matt Chalk Trio. At 8 p.m. the program crosses the street to the Gem Theater for an auction and program. Whitmer's headliner performance begins at 8:15.  

All proceeds benefit Front Porch’s youth programs, which strengthen youths’ academic achievement, provides entrepreneurial education, enhances leadership skills and helps secure a future full of hope and opportunity.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the FPA is a non-profit partnership in the urban center of Kansas City; its mission is to create partnerships to improve lives, build relationships and revitalize neighborhoods within Ivanhoe and surrounding communities.

“Front Porch Alliance helps build relationships with the Ivanhoe Community to give hope,” said Chris Smart, FPA president. “For many, our services are what keep them going physically on a daily basis. Front Porch is their hands-on link to improving their lives.”

Front Porch Alliance originated as a project to mark the 50th anniversary of the Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. It quickly grew beyond the dreams of even the founders into a major effort that partnered with both urban and suburban churches in the metropolitan area as well as many social service agencies, civic groups, and city programs.

Programs administered by FPA include career mentoring, life skills and financial literacy training, elementary student tutoring, home repair, youth activities, neighborhood cleanups, food pantry and other basic daily needs.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Shawver at 816-921-8812. Learn more about Front Porch Alliance on the web at www.frontporchalliance.org/.