Premier Foundation Benefit Event Raises Over $400,000 for Charity

By Timothy Yap Sep 19, 2017 11:57 PM EDT

The fifth annual "Perspective: A Jared Emerson Art Show & Benefit" raised more than $400,000 for the Premier Foundation's Adopt the Block projects last week.

This annual event furthers the mission of the Premier Foundation, the charitable arm of Premier Productions, which is committed to serving the world's needy and impoverished. The event featured an art show and auction by nationally-acclaimed performance artist Jared Emerson and special guest artist TYP (a.k.a. Troy Murray). The evening included live music by Marvin Mumford & Friends and Kylie Odetta, silent and live auctions, and a direct gift request. Two paintings were completed by Emerson during the event: A portrait of NFL football legend "Mean Joe Greene" who attended the event and autographed the painting; and a portrait of Frank Sinatra painted backwards on glass.

The event raised approximately $45,000 for the Premier Foundation and two key projects in Detroit and Greenville, SC. Premier was also presented with a $400,000 special project grant from Overcome to complete funding for the Mount Nebo Bible Baptist Church and Community Center in New Orleans.

"We are excited to partner with the Premier Foundation," says Jay Grubb, founder of Overcome. "The team at Premier is changing lives and making a difference on a global scale."

"It is a blessing and an honor to partner with Overcome to put the final financial pieces in place for our project in New Orleans," said Gene Krcelic, president of Premier Foundation. "When disaster strikes and the nation responds to a community's needs, it is only a matter of time before another disaster strikes and those suffering from the old disaster are soon forgotten. We have pledged to never forget those still struggling from yesterday's disasters. The Overcome grant will allow us to bring new life to the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans where Hurricane Katrina left so many without homes and hope."

In addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers' Greene, about 325 donors and special guests were in attendance including: Former college and NFL stars Champ Bailey, Boss Bailey, Tajh Boyd, Michael Dean Perry, Donnell Woolford, NBA star Antonio Davis, Tour de France and Olympic cyclist George Hincapie, and George Rogers, 1980 Heisman Trophy winner from South Carolina and Super Bowl Champion.

Over the prior four years, Perspective has raised more than $200,000 to help support the Foundation's Adopt the Block program. This program identifies impoverished communities around the world where the Premier Foundation can make a significant impact. On-going projects include helping neighborhoods in the U.S and around the world - from Greenville, SC, New Orleans, and Detroit to Free Hill, Jamaica; Svay Pak, Cambodia; Nairobi, Kenya; and Nassau, Bahamas.

This year's featured Adopt The Block projects included Fellow Countrymen, an organization in Greenville, S.C. that helps with housing, mentoring and employment of veterans suffering from PTSD in the area and The Hope Center in Detroit that comes alongside churches and organizations serving at-risk youth and the needs of their impoverished community.

More About the Artist Jared Emerson:
Jared Emerson has established himself as a world-renowned performance and studio artist; sought after by professional athletes, sports franchises, corporations and musical artists. The Jared Emerson Brand secured a national retail agreement with Family Christian Stores in 2016, a clothing partnership with E6 Apparel and has garnered major television exposure on CBS Sports and the 700 Club. The demand for his time and gift has elevated him to one of the most sought after performance artists in the country.

Born in Michigan and residing in Greenville, Jared's passion was the result of being raised in a loving Christian home; incorporating his values into every aspect of his life and work. He has created art for churches and charities around the world where the proceeds have generated over $1,000,000 for worthwhile causes.

Jared is the featured artist with the Detroit Pistons, NFL Football Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh Steelers Cruise, Green Bay Packers Cruise, K-LOVE Cruise and countless other corporate events. His renowned art is owned by notables such as Mike Fisher and wife Carrie Underwood, Willie Mays, Jimmy John, Guy Fieri, Fred Funk, George Hincapie, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Haas, and numerous others.

For more information about Premier Foundation:www.premierfoundation.com

For more information about Perspective: www.perspectiveartshow.com

For more information about Jared Emerson:  www.jaredemerson.com

For more information about TYP:  www.typcollection.com