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Who Should Attend

Jazz It Up!

East Fort Worth Business Association is hosting the Annual Community Awards and Scholarship Banquet event on Thursday, November 9, 2023.

Our Awards Banquet honors outstanding businesses, organizations, citizens, and – most importantly – educators and students in East Fort Worth. We are excited to return to the beautiful Texas Wesleyan University Martin Center.

We are asking for your Sponsorship commitment to help us make higher education more accessible for the seven of the most ambitious and dedicated East Fort Worth high school students.

We are naming the seventh scholarship in honor of Malcolm Wentworth, and we will dedicate that Scholarship to the Outstanding Graduate from Texas CAN Academy.

This year, we shall present seven students with scholarships, for a total of $10,500 in Scholarships! Malcolm Wentworth served on our Board and was instrumental to the success of our annual banquet, and we want to honor his memory with this scholarship.

Jazz It UP!

This year's theme is "Jazz It Up!" While jazz music and exceptional high school achievements may seem unrelated, they share some common core skills when it comes to their essential qualities.   

Creativity and Individuality:

Jazz is known for its emphasis on improvisation and the individual expression of musicians.  Exceptional high school achievements often stem from students' ability to think creatively, solve problems, and approach tasks from unique perspectives.

Skill Development and Mastery: 

Jazz musicians are renowned for their technical proficiency and mastery of their instruments from years of practice, dedication, and honing of musical skills. Students who excel academically or in extracurricular activities often invest time and effort into mastering subject matters, developing critical thinking skills, and consistently honing their abilities.

Networking Time

This is your time to meet with community leaders, elected government officials, first responders from the FW Police and FW Firefighters, as well as eastside Educators who guided these sudents, and local business owners who generously support the Wanda Conlin Scholarships program.

Featured Presentation Speaker

Our Banquet 2023 Featured Presentation Speaker is Pete Geren, CEO, Sid Richardson Foundation.

Fun, Friends & Food

Dinner Menu

Catered by TWU

  • Tossed Garden Salad with Cucumbers & Tomatoes served with Ranch Dressing & Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Fresh Baked Dinner Rolls
  • Slow Roasted Eye of Round served with a Rich Seasoned Sauce
  • Grilled Rosemary Chicken Breast with Lemon Cream Sauce
  • Oven Roasted Potatoes
  • Seasoned Green Beans
  • New York Cheesecake or Carrot Cake
  • Iced Tea & Water
  • Starbucks Coffee & Decaf Coffee


midjourney generated jazz guitars

Keynote Speaker: Pete Geren

CEO, Sid Richardson Foundation

Preston Murdoch Geren, III, known as Pete Geren, is an attorney and politician who served as the 20th United States Secretary of the Army from July 16, 2007, to September 16, 2009. He is a Democratic former member of the United States House of Representatives from Texas's 12th congressional district. He is the current president of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation in Fort Worth, Texas, and later chaired of the Institute for Defense Analyses in Alexandria, Virginia.

Geren was born in Fort Worth, Texas. He attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1970 to 1973, where he was the starting center for the football team. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas in 1974, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law in 1978.

Geren joined the Department of Defense in September 2001 to serve as Special Assistant to the Defense Secretary with responsibilities in the areas of inter-agency initiatives, legislative affairs and special projects.

On July 29, 2005, President George W. Bush appointed Geren the acting United States Secretary of the Air Force, a position he served in until the confirmation of his successor Michael Wynne in November 2005.

Geren was the 28th Undersecretary of the Army, a post he assumed on February 21, 2006, following his nomination by President Bush and confirmation by the United States Senate. As the Undersecretary, Geren was the Army's No. 2 civilian leader. He served as the deputy and senior advisor to the Secretary of the Army and was Acting Secretary in the absence of the Secretary.

In March 2007, Geren was named Acting Secretary of the United States Army by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. On July 16, 2007, the Senate confirmed Geren as Secretary of the Army. On August 30, 2007, Geren established the independent Commission on Army Acquisition and Program Management in Expeditionary Operations to investigate the contingency contracting crisis within the army.

Since 2011, Pete has been president and CEO of the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, in Fort Worth, TX.

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Become A Scholarship Sponsor!

BAND LEADER
Sponsor

$5,000

Jazz Music traditionally features a Band Leader who guides and directs the musicians. Leadership skills are necessary as students may take on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, or group projects. Both jazz music and high school achievements require passion, dedication, and a willingness to explore and push boundaries.

  • BAND LEADER
  • Co-branded naming rights.
  • VIP Seating at two reserved Tables for 8.
  • Featured recognition in all digital and printed media, and at the event.
  • Sponsor two students and their two guests.
  • Your Corporate logo on the Scholarship Certificates.
  • Full page (inside front cover) ad in EFWBA Annual Directory.

1920s
New Orleans Jazz
Sponsor

$2,500

New Orleans Jazz often involves multiple musicians playing together and creating intricate musical conversations. It is characterized by its improvisational nature and collective ensemble playing. Adaptability is essential. Students need to be flexible in handling different subjects, tasks, and challenges. Similarly, collaboration is crucial as students frequently work in groups or teams on projects and assignments.

  • NEW ORLEANS JAZZ
  • VIP Seating at one Table for 8.
  • Special recognition in all digital and printed media, and at the event.
  • Sponsor two students and their two guests.
  • Your corporate logo on the Community "Outsanding Awards".

1930s
Swing Jazz
Sponsor

$1,000

Swing Jazz relies heavily on a steady, well-maintained rhythm and precise timing. Time management skills are vital as students juggle various responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments.   Swing jazz requires discipline, practice and attention to detail. Likewise, high school achievement requires discipline in studying, completing assignments, and staying focused on long-term goals.

  • SWING JAZZ
  • Reserved Table for 8
  • Special recognition in all digital and printed media, and at the event.
  • Sponsor a community award recipient and their guest.


1940s
Big Band Jazz
Sponsor

$750

Big Band Jazz requires intricate organization and coordination among the various sections of the ensemble. Similarly, organizational skills are essential for high school achievement, helping students manage their schedules, prioritize tasks, and maintain an orderly approach to their studies.

  • BIG BAND JAZZ
  • Two Banquet Tickets
  • Special recognition in all digital and printed media, and at the event.


1950s
Cool Jazz
Sponsor

Cool Jazz has a very harmonious vibe along with its slow tempo that reflects the casual attitude of its California origin.

$500

These Generous Businesses Support Our Scholarships

Band Leader

1920s New Orleans Jazz

1930s Swing Jazz

1940s Big Band Jazz

2022 Wanda Conlin Scholarship Winners

These amazing students were selected by the EFWBA Scholarhsip Committee and each student was presented with a $1500 Scholarship to further their college education, all made possible by our generous Sponsors.

We are accepting applications for the 2023 Awards now.

2022 Outstanding Community Award Winners

Atwood McDonald Elementary

Meadowbrook Elementary

Los Pastores

Venue and Info

Venue Details

The 2023 Scholarship & Community Awards Banquet is at the Nick and Lou Martin University Center on the Texas Wesleyan University campus.

Address:

Martin Center
Texas Wesleyan University
1201 Wesleyan St.
Fort Worth, TX 76105

 

Email:

efwba@efwba.org

 

Phone:

817-451-6276

Martin Center

Silent Auction Items
Donated by Generous Sponsors!