Date: February 8, 2007
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, Illinois, February 8, 2007 – The Governors State University Foundation recently received a $6,600 Local Tourism Grant from the Chicago Southland Convention &Visitors Bureau to promote the 2007 Jazz in the Park for Charity on July 29 on the grounds of the university.
The GSU Foundation and many other south suburban non-profit agencies and organizations sponsor Jazz in the Park for Charity. Great music, good food, and the company of friends and neighbors attracted more than 1000 visitors to Governors State University and the Chicago southland region during last year’s event. Funds raised by Jazz in the Park help support the work of each sponsoring organization.
“Jazz in the Park for Charity was a great success last summer. Everyone had a great time and we helped a lot of worthy organizations. This year, with the help of this grant, we hope to attract even more visitors to the great event,” said Dr. James Britt, Vice President of Advancement, and CEO of the Governors State University Foundation.
Organizers of Jazz in the Park will use the grant funds to promote the event in newspaper and radio advertisements that reach people outside of the southland region.
The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau distributes up to $66,000 annually to southland municipalities and non-profit organizations to promote events like Jazz in the Park that draw visitors into the Chicago Southland region for overnight stays. These visitors contribute substantially to the local economy during their visit to the region.
“The Local Tourism Grant program is a way for the Bureau to extend its marketing reach,” said Jim Garrett, CDME, President/CEO of the Chicago Southland CVB. “The marketing efforts by our communities, in addition to marketing by the Bureau, help us to better promote the many festivals, special events, and area attractions throughout the Southland.”
Jazz in the Park for Charity will be held on July 29, from 3 to 8 p.m., at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park. For more information, call (708) 534-6360.
