June 2005
Jimmy Buffett hosts event to benefit NYU Child Study Center
Proceeds to benefit ParentCorps program
On Friday, August 5, 2005 Jane and Jimmy Buffett, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff will host Picnic for ParentCorps to benefit the NYU Child Study Center. The event, to be held in Water Mill, New York, will consist of a summer dinner and live entertainment. All proceeds will support the Center's ParentCorps program, which applies scientifically-proven methods to help children and families from New York's most disadvantaged neighborhoods turn their lives around.
Children with behavioral problems are more likely to drop out of school, to abuse drugs and to go to jail. In New York City alone 10,000 students are suspended from school each year, mostly for aggressive or violent behaviors. ParentCorps' 26-week parenting program decreases aggressive behavior in pre-schoolers, preventing behavioral problems before they become ingrained.
"ParentCorps has been tested in eight schools with over 200 preschoolers and their families and it lowers levels of aggression in these children and makes them more ready for school," said Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D., Director of the NYU Child Study Center. "We are very grateful to Jimmy and Jane Buffett for their commitment to ParentCorps and to Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff for their long standing support of the NYU Child Study Center."
It costs taxpayers at least $100,000 annually to keep a juvenile offender in jail. ParentCorps' annual cost is $1,000 per child � a minimal investment with a huge return. With a new grant from the U. S. Department of Education, ParentCorps is now being tested in an additional 20 schools in highly disadvantaged neighborhoods with over 1,000 preschoolers and their families.
"ParentCorps keeps kids out of jail and that benefits everyone," said Jimmy Buffett. "This event will allow the Center to provide ParentCorps to more families and work toward making ParentCorps a national program that provides all children an equal opportunity to succeed in life." Jimmy Buffett has been a long-time advocate of the Child Study Center and for children's issues. His foundation, Singing for Change offers competitive grants to organizations working toward improving the quality of life for people and empowering them to make positive decisions in their communities. In 2003 alone, Singing for Change awarded nearly half a million dollars in grants to child focused charities.
Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, board members of the NYU Child Study Center, have been advocates for children's philanthropies for many years.
Tickets for the event are priced at $1,000, the cost of putting one child through the ParentCorps program. Reserved tables are also available. For further information or to purchase a ticket, contact Kearney Harrington at (212) 263-8698. Singing for Change
Singing for Change, a non-profit organization started by Jimmy Buffet, works toward improving the quality of life for people and empowering individuals to make positive changes in their communities. Singing for Change offers competitive grants to progressive, community-based, non-profit organizations that address the root causes of social and environmental problems.
For more information on Singing for Change, visit http://margaritaville.com/sfc/
NYU Child Study Center
The NYU Child Study Center is dedicated to advancing the field of mental health for children and their families through evidence-based practice, science, and education. Program specialists translate scientific developments and innovative procedures into everyday techniques for parents, educators, pediatricians, and other mental health professionals. The Center's vision is to be the premier source of child mental health information, improve and influence the practice of child mental health professionals and in doing so, change the face of children's mental health in this country.
For more information, contact the NYU Child Study Center at (212) 263-6622 or at www.AboutOurKids.org.