From left, Nate Welcomer, Bob Athayde, Lucy Portnoff, Tom Carter (President of Generations in Jazz Foundation), and Lafayette Community Foundation Board Members Ann Denny, Teresa Gerringer, Anita Rama and Cheryl Noll. Photo Doug Kohen

The Lafayette Community Foundation recently awarded a generous grant to the Generations in Jazz Foundation that will be passed along to the Lafayette Summer Music Workshop (LSMW) for a shiny new keyboard, a drum set and amplification equipment.

"This gift makes us able to help other people. If you have it - share it - don't hoard it. Students are motivated if they have good instruments to practice on," said Bob Athayde, Stanley Middle School Music Director and LSMW Director. The items will be used for the week long Music Workshop in the summer, and then shared with schools in need during the off season.

This grant is just one of six awarded during the Lafayette Community Foundation's (LCF) fall funding cycle. Other lucky recipients are: the Muir Heritage Land Trust, Town Hall Theater, the Lafayette Art and Science Foundation, the Lamorinda Spirit Van and Las Trampas.

Supporting projects that promote and enhance the civic, cultural, educational and environmental health of Lafayette is what the Lafayette Community Foundation is all about. These recipients were chosen because they all, in different ways, do just that.

Grant requests are reviewed by the LCF's Grants Committee, in the spring and fall. "We try to make the money work for the most people possible," said Cheryl Noll, Grant Chair of the Lafayette Community Foundation.

"On behalf of everyone at Las Trampas, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lafayette Community Foundation for their generous grant in support of the AccessArt program for adults with developmental disabilities," said Bonnie Peacock, Development Director. "AccessArt is an art program providing a supportive learning and work environment for people with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities." Artwork ranges from the backdrop for a fashion show to watercolors to key chains and beyond.

Looking to encourage and sustain creative development and work skills so that clients are more fully able to function as active members of the community, this grant provides Las Trampas with materials and supplies for drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry photography and more. "This came in the nick of time," said Ron Kilgore, Associate Director, adding that they are running low on almost everything.

For more information on the Foundation check their website at www.lafayettecommunityfoundation.org.