LA's BEST Community Jam (Part 1...)

Let me just start by saying that I don't make snap decisions very often. Usually, I have time to plan, prepare, and research taking trips on planes to various parts of California. And usually, they are all work-related.

This wasn't really the case about 2 weeks ago when our resident Google-fu on MK-O found out about a benefit concert being held in Los Angeles... on a Sunday that I happened to have free. Now, I didn't think it was possible to attend. Most galas like this take place in the evening, which would require me to stay overnight, miss work... etc. Luckily, this concert began at 3:00 and ended at a decent hour. After a little bit of prodding from my SoCal cohorts, and permission from my forgiving husband, I redeemed my Rapid Rewards ticket for a round trip flight to Burbank. Arriving and departing on the same day. Yeah... I'm insane, right?

What prompted this snap decision other than being generous and wanting to support the children? Well, the concert was advertised by none other than Nigel Lythgoe. Yes, the producer of SYTYCD and at some point, American Idol. So of course, the roster included stars from both shows. We just didn't know which ones. But I was secretly hoping for my favorite(s) to show up and perform.

Unnecessary fan-girling aside: the BEST program is actually a non-profit that hosts after school programs and activities for kids based in the Los Angeles area.

From their website:

LA's BEST — Better Educated Students for Tomorrow — is a nationally recognized after school education, enrichment and recreation program serving more than 28,000 children with the greatest needs and fewest resources throughout the City of Los Angeles. LA's BEST After School Enrichment Program provides a safe haven for children, ages 5 to 12, at 180 elementary school sites each day during the critical hours after school — at no cost to parents. Established in 1988, LA's BEST is a partnership including the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the private sector.

Good cause, yes? So since I'm in the same time zone, why not fly down and support this organization? Being in the education sector myself, I came to realize that the projects our little non-profit has been working hard for will probably affect their futures. I didn't want to jinx it all and say that every child in the theater will probably have some sort of Basic Skills need when they reach college level, but sadly... they probably will. And I don't really think I understood the impact of the Initiative beyond the drama, politics, and stress... until now. So of course, I'm even more grateful that I went. Even if it was just to get a better understanding for the shear need of these types of programs... and for our work at the Senate.

Anyway, with very little information, plans for a meet up over brunch, and carpool arrangements, I purchased a couple of tickets for the show at the Kodak Theater. December 14th wasn't quite too far off and we still had no idea who was playing or performing. But it's for the kids, right?

Fast forward to Thursday and our little group gets some VERY good news.

Links:
LA's BEST Programs and Activities
The Basic Skills Initiative