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| The Concert for America's Kids On Aug. 22 CBS Televison Network will broadcast as a one-hour special 'The "JCPenney JAM...The Concert for America's Kids". Hosted by Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw and music-directed by David Foster, viewers can tune in to the concert to enjoy performances by a multi-genre lineup of music icons. Appearances include renowned artists Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and Mary J. Blige, country superstars Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans and Martina McBride, jazz star Chris Botti, rock supergroup 3 Doors Down, legendary vocal tenor Andrea Bocelli, Latin GRAMMY winning pop star Alejandro Sanz and GRAMMY winning R&B artist John Legend. "In order to bring this critical issue into the national spotlight, JCPenney wanted to create an effective vehicle to reach working parents across the country. From that emerged "The JCPenney JAM...The Concert for America's Kids, " said Michael Theilmann, chairman of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. "With the help of the participating musicians and influential partners such as the NFL, the JCPenney JAM television special has the potential to reach millions of Americans and generate a great deal of support for the afterschool cause." This school year more than 10, 000 children across the nation will participate in safe, enriching afterschool programs through the support of JCPenney Afterschool Fund grants. The Fund will contribute over $7 million in grants to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, YMCA of the USA, National 4-H and United Way of America, to provide youth with access to quality afterschool programs. Additionally, JCPenney will contribute over $1 million in gift cards in support of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund grants. Each child who receives a grant will also receive a $100 JCPenney gift card to help with the purchase of clothing and supplies for the upcoming school year. The growing problem of inadequate afterschool supervision for America's youth cuts across all ethnic, income and demographic boundaries. Recent studies show that 14.3 million children in the United States are unsupervised after school between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day. Studies also show that youth are at greater risk of involvement in crime, drug abuse and other destructive behaviors during these hours. High-quality afterschool programs keep children safe and help to produce life-changing, lasting benefits, including healthier lifestyles, improved social skills and enhanced academic performance. Beginning Aug. 23, a DVD/CD twin-pack of the entire three-hour JCPenney JAM concert and "behind the scenes" material will be available exclusively at JCPenney stores and online at jcp.com. JCPenney JAM hosts Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw have also created a special DVD entitled "A Real World Afterschool Partnership, " which discusses the need for afterschool programs and includes helpful advice on how to get involved. Sales from the JCPenney JAM DVD/CD twin-pack, the Dr. Phil/Robin McGraw DVD and the individual JAM artist CDs will go to support the JAM initiative and the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |