Jazz Legend Orbert Davis to be Recognized at PSC Foundation Gala

The Prairie State College (PSC) Foundation is hosting its annual Gala at 6 p.m., Saturday, October 19, on the college’s main campus, located at 202 South Halsted St. in Chicago Heights. In support of this year’s gala theme, “Reach for the Stars,” the Foundation will, for the first time, recognize an individual who went above and beyond in their support of PSC students.

The inaugural Reach for the Stars Award will be presented to Conductor and Artistic Director for the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orbert Davis, in recognition of his 30-year history with the college's annual Jazz Fest. Over the years, Davis has worked with thousands of students in the community, from middle school students to PSC students. Davis is an Emmy Award-winning trumpeter composer, and educator, co-founder, conductor and artistic director of Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.

The Foundation has helped thousands of students over the years with tuition, books, supplies and overall support that extend beyond financial need, including college projects that benefit student learning. To help support the increasing number of scholarship applicants, the Foundation hosts an annual special event to raise funds for PSC students.

The black-tie optional event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Conference Center, followed by a 7 p.m. gourmet dinner in the college atrium. The Gala will feature a live auction, choice raffles, dancing and a special “Stand Up for Scholarships” presentation. Music will be provided by Brass from the Past, a band featuring Chicagoland’s top-tier musicians who wow audiences and inspire with their performances of Motown, soul, and rock music.

All proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarships.

“We have many students on campus who would not receive an education if it wasn’t for Prairie State College,” said Foundation Executive Director Deborah Havighorst. “The Foundation bridges the gap between what students receive from financial aid and what they can actually afford. I’ve had students tell me they would have to take a semester off because they were $200 short. The Foundation is here to help keep these students in school and help them earn their degrees.”

Havighorst says that the Foundation has continuously increased the scholarships awarded each semester over the last few years, and the applications continue to flood in.

“We continue to break record amounts in scholarship awards year after year, so we need the community’s support now, more than ever. Attending this fabulous event is just one way you can help raise the much needed money for scholarships for our deserving students,” she said.

For tickets or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit give.classy.org/PSCGala2019. Donations in any amount are accepted. For more information, contact the PSC Foundation at (708) 709-3631.