Better Than Ezra Foundation

Do Good & Give Back

The Better Than Ezra Foundation story starts with the band itself. The talented and accomplished members - Kevin Griffin, Tom Drummond and drummers Travis McNabb and Michael Jerome are the driving force behind this nationally renowned recording group, Better Than Ezra. Their passion for the music they provide is equally exemplified in the drive they have for giving back to the community they love and call home, New Orleans, Louisiana. The combination of their talents and passion has led to the creation of the Better Than Ezra Foundation, whereby the group annually brings together the power of music along with the power of community.

The Better Than Ezra Foundation (BTEF) has been raising funds for causes in New Orleans for over 15 years. The band started the foundation after hosting some fundraising events for friends who were in need. It grew from there and after Katrina took in a new life and meaning. In 2007 BTEF solidified into what it is today, which supports a variety of philanthropic endeavors, having raised over $1.6 million dollars for local initiatives to date. Most recently they have begun operating music and arts after school programs in schools in impoverished areas. Some of their students were recently showcased at Jazz Fest. (Check out the video below)

Members of the band often comment that they aren't sure where they would have ended up without music programs their in school. The funds raised from this Screens for Good campaign will go towards after school programs. Raising $2,000 can provide 5 "visiting artists" to schools in the greater NOLA area in existing after school programs. This allows them to provide exposure to the students while also providing struggling artists with additional income while they pursue their dreams. Raising $5,000 will provide supplies for their in house programs for one year including sheet music, reeds, art supplies, and more.

They hope to expand their programming to as many schools as possible. Music education funding has been cut so far that most schools cannot provide it. After school programming is a good alternative. It provided the music exposure and all that entails as well as the the benefits of having kids stay in school during the hours right after school which hold the highest rates for juvenile crime. Support the Better Than Ezra Foundation through their Screens for Good campaign today and help make New Orleans a better place.

http://www.btefoundation.org/

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