Patti Rutland Jazz Inc

"By nurturing the needs of children who would not otherwise be introduced or afforded the opportunity to dance, we feed the pool of undiscovered talent that will be the very source of the future of the arts in our community. We want to give back to the community what has been given to us."--Patti Simpson

This year Patti Rutland Jazz is providing scholarships to 4697 children in the Dothan City School System covering 36301, 36303, and 36305 zip codes. Every K-5th grader enrolled in school receives a weekly dance class during their physical education class time. In addition to Dothan City Schools, we also partner with Yes We Can, Houston County Schools, Girls Inc., Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Vaughn Blumberg Center, Calvary Baptist Church and The Cultural Arts Center pushing our outreach program to over 5000 students, making us the largest weekly outreach program in the state of Alabama. Students are taught movement to help develop gross motor skills and improve coordination. Rhythm, music appreciation and a brief history of the performing arts are taught in three 6 week semesters. The arts play a large part in intellectual development and broadens students' understanding and apprciation of the world around them. PRJ is committed to this outreach program. It is through this committment, we enable students to enjoy the enrichment, character developement, and positive benefits that come from an involvment in the arts. We want our students to be well rounded, culturally aware and internally enriched individuals who will remain lovers and supporters of the arts for a lifetime. 

Unfortunately, due to a lack in funding and the general state of our country's economy, PRJ is at risk of cancelling the remainder of our outreach classes for the year. We need $7,000.00 to see this year through. All the proceeds from Alabama Gives Day will go directly toward funding PRJ outreach. Please join us in our fight for the arts and for all non-profits across the state as we make history through this 24 hours of giving.