An Evening of Art and Jazz is a Success!

Jimmie Highsmith, Jr. and Evan Dawson

The Advocacy Center’s 6th annual major fundraising event was held June 4, 2011 at George Eastman House, a National Historic Landmark providing an exciting backdrop to the event.

Jazz artists Wycliffe Gordon, Jimmie Highsmith, Jr.,  Bobby Floyd, Annie Wells, Chad O’Brien, Alex Lacquement, and Wills McKenna delighted guests with a variety of performances. In addition, guests were treated to a wide array of activities including the opportunity to bid on art work by local artists featured in the silent auction; stroll through the gardens; attend guided mansion tours; view gallery exhibits; and participate in a live auction featuring club passes to the Jazz fest and tickets to a Yankees/Red Sox game complete with hotel accommodations.  

13WHAM-TV news anchor Evan Dawson welcomed guests to The Advocacy Center Community Awards ceremony. NYS Assemblyman Mark Johns was on hand to present a Certificate of Merit to award winners, recognizing their contributions to our community. The Corporate Support Award was presented to Faraci Lange Attorneys with Matt Belanger accepting the award. Darryl Porter, a member of the City of Rochester Cabinet and Senior Management Team, attended the ceremony as well to congratulate the award recipients.  

Paul Shew, Executive Director of The Advocacy Center, reports a 13% increase in revenue from the event over 2010. Mr. Shew credits the increase to the generosity of Presenting Sponsor MVP Healthcare, over 30 other corporate sponsors, advertisers and well-wishers, in-kind donors, and the hard work of staff, board, and volunteers.