Two Gifts Boost Penn State Jazz Fundraiser

By Submitted Report
The Tube City Almanac
September 16, 2015
Posted in: Announcements

Penn State Greater Allegheny has received premier sponsorships from two local organizations for the 12th annual All That's Jazz Scholarship Benefit, to be held Nov. 7.

A $7,500 gift from Gala Jewelers along with the Rotary Club of White Oak's $10,000 will be added, with all of the other monies raised at the event, to the scholarship fund on campus. The total raised in the past 11 years is more than $825,000.

"Penn State Greater Allegheny is a valuable resource for the community and we are happy to support it," Chuck Gala, owner of Gala Jewelers, said, adding, "I am also a proud father of a Penn State graduate."

The scholarships benefit so many students each year. One of them is Kelly Hinerman from McKeesport, president of the Student Government Association.  She loves animals and is interested in pursuing a degree in wildlife and fisheries. Hinerman says that receiving a scholarship has been empowering and humbling.

"For a student, to be singled out from a crowd, chosen to do great things, propelled forward by the donor's trust, and to feel the faith behind the gift is truly amazing," Hinerman said. "One day, I want to give back the gift that's been given to me."

Sharvel Pulliam, from Munhall, Pennsylvania, also receives scholarship money.  A second year student interested in economics, Pulliam works as Resident Assistant on campus.  He has volunteered at the Braddock Youth Project, a summer and after-school program, where he mentored teens. He also works to help pay for college. Pulliam said, "Without the generous assistance of the donors who contribute to scholarships, I would have a difficult time paying my tuition. You bring hope to students, whose families might not be able to afford college, but have a dream of going."

The All That's Jazz committee is planning an energizing night filled with auctions, food and talented musicians. The event's theme is Juke Joint Jazz. Juke Joint is the vernacular term for an informal establishment featuring music, dancing, gambling and drinking, primarily operated in the southeastern United States.
Pianist, singer, bassist

Enjoy listening to (l-r) pianist William Thompson, Jazz vocalist Betty Shirley, and bassist David Pellow at the 12th Annual All That's Jazz  Scholarship Benefit at Penn State Greater Allegheny on November 7.
Image: Josh Brasted for NOLA.com

Guests will be celebrating jazz history as they step back in time and bring Juke Joint Jazz to life. The evening's lead singer will be jazz vocalist extraordinaire Betty Shirley. Playing bass will be Dave Pellow, a returning favorite All That's Jazz performer. Composer and improvising keyboardist William Thompson will accompany them on piano.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 7, at the Penn State Greater Allegheny Student Community Center, 4000 University Drive, McKeesport. The public is invited to join in the festivities to help support student scholarships. Tickets are $125 each.

Information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be obtained by calling (412) 675-9180.

Originally published September 16, 2015.

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