UW-Madison: Jazzin’ benefit to support campus child care and honor star-quality leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5/10/12

CONTACT: Connie L. Wilson, 608-890-2841, clwilson@wisc.edu

MADISON – The campus community is invited to enjoy an evening of great jazz music while supporting campus early childhood care and educational programs for children at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Well-known local jazz singer Jan Wheaton, with the Jan Wheaton Quintet, will perform at the 15th annual Jazzin’ benefit from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, in the Memorial Union’s Tripp Commons, 800 Langdon St.

The fundraiser benefits UW-Madison Campus Child Care and honors many people across campus and in the community for their commitment to offering quality care and leadership in the field.

This year’s event will honor a number of individuals from the university’s campus centers: Tamika Ellefson and Amy Welk from Bernie’s Place; Kristin Pape and Vicki Stevens from Eagle’s Wing; Casey Feist, Mary Pierick and Mary Ellen Post of the Preschool Lab; and Lisa Hawkins of the Waisman Early Childhood Program. Their commitment to cooperation, kindness and community has strengthened early childhood programs and services on our campus and in the community.

Campus recognitions will be made to Robin Douthitt, dean of the School of Human Ecology, for her visionary leadership, creative achievements and tireless efforts to create a state-of-the-art facility, and Linda Dicks, associate dean in the School of Human Ecology, for her oversight, commitment and advocacy on behalf of the campus child care system.

The community recognition will be made to Janna Hack, Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health, for providing teaching and outreach excellence in infant, early childhood and family mental issues throughout the State of Wisconsin.

The campus child-care system includes eight centers that serve approximately 600 children each week. All centers provide high quality care and are accredited by the city of Madison and/or the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The centers provide early care and education for the children of UW faculty, staff and students while fulfilling the university’s mission of teaching, research and outreach.

This year an online silent auction will be open for bidding from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29. Donated items can be viewed prior to the start of the actual bidding at http://www.32auctions.com [Auction ID: jazzin; Auction Password: auction.]

Items not purchased outright online will be available for bidding at the actual event on May 31.

Raffle winners will be announced at the event on May 31. A listing of the items included in the raffle and silent auction can be found at: http://occfr.wisc.edu/jazzin.html.

Raffle tickets are available from the Office of Child Care & Family Resources by calling 608-890-2841. You do not need to be present to win a raffle prize.

Event tickets are $30 in advance or at the door; hors d’oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

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