The Denton African American Scholarship Foundation next week will host an evening of food and live music benefiting Denton Afro-American Scholarship Inc.
World-renowned jazz flutist Bobbi Humphrey is slated to perform at the gala on Saturday evening at the Center for Visual Arts. Tickets are $75.
Event organizers say proceeds will go toward funding 2012 scholarships and setting up an endowment.
“We felt like this would be a great opportunity to have good food, good music, good fellowship,” said Harry Eaddy, president of the Denton African American Scholarship Foundation, which raises money for the scholarship organization.
Gala guests will be treated to a musical experience that really can’t be matched in too many venues, he said. In a blend of gospel and jazz performances, the evening will open with Andrea Perry, a classically trained performer, who will be accompanied by other musicians, Eaddy said. Humphrey, the evening’s headliner, will follow.
Discovered by jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie while she was a college student, Humphrey has recorded several albums and played with music greats such as Stevie Wonder and Duke Ellington during her 40-year career.
“What would be compelling about this event is it’s not a typical banquet,” Eaddy said. “Someone having an opportunity to see Bobbi Humphrey would be similar to seeing other great legends, whether it be Willie Nelson, B.B. King or Miles Davis. I just think being at the event itself would be an extraordinary opportunity.”
Established more than two decades ago, Denton Afro-American Scholarship Inc. has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships, helping fund the college education of more than 200 Denton school district graduates.
In years past, donations were sought through letters requesting funds for the effort. This is the first time a gala is being hosted to help in fundraising efforts.
Eaddy said he hopes the event will raise more than $25,000. In the next five years, he said, he hopes the foundation can contribute $1 million to the Denton Afro-American Scholarship endowment, and within eight to 10 years, succeed at establishing a $10 million endowment.
Today, the cost to attend college is significant, and it’s even more difficult for students to receive financial aid, said Euline Brock, scholarship coordinator and founder of Denton Afro-American Scholarship Inc. Donations help scholarship recipients a great deal, she said.
Saturday’s gala is an opportunity to reach out to the community, inform them about the scholarship program and bring the community together in support of some “wonderful students.”
“It will be a lovely evening,” Brock said. “It will be something that anyone can enjoy and for a very good cause.”
BRITNEY TABOR can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is btabor@dentonrc.com.
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