Chevrolet Supports CDF Music Therapy Programs On Behalf Of The Essence Music Festival

New Orleans- Chevrolet is showcasing its support of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® and its contribution to a new music therapy program at this year’s Essence Music Festival (EMF). The division sponsored a Music Therapy workshop at this year’s annual training week and provided several New Orleans sites with the instruments necessary to develop a music therapy program.

Chevrolet’s involvement with the CDF Freedom Schools goes beyond financial backing. The CDF Freedom Schools include 134 sites spanning 64 cities in 25 states, and serves 8,500 children across the U.S. The Freedom Schools will help more than 1,000 students in the Gulf-area alone, contributing to the “Revolution to Rebuild” theme that Chevy developed last year.

“Furthering the education of music means a lot to us because Chevy bases so much of its marketing on music. I think it is great that we can support such an influential organization as the Children’s Defense Fund,” says Cheryl Catton General Director of Chevy Car Marketing. “We are looking forward to the musical performances we have happening in the Super Lounge at the Essence Music Festival; Slum Village and Nuttin’ But Stringz have already been used in GM marketing before and we are happy to share their talent with the public once again.”

Chevy actually started its Essence Music Festival efforts last month by sending key employees to visit the annual CDF training week to experience what the student leaders’ encounter during their training. Participants could truly feel the energy following in the morning Harambee! session, which is designed to get everyone excited and ready to start the day. The entire day was filled with emotion as the representatives met various student leaders devoting their summers to contribute to CDF’s efforts. Chevy was extremely proud to be able to sponsor a personal performance from Kirk Franklin, leaving a lasting impression on future leaders.

“Music has always been a part of Chevrolet’s heritage so sponsoring the Essence Music Festival is a natural fit for us,” Catton explains. “By including a charitable donation to the CDF, we pay tribute to the ’party with a purpose’ in a very real way.”

Chevy is bringing some of its musical partners as well as a local NFL star to join in the fun at the Festival. New Orlean’s Saints’ Will Smith will be signing autographs for Festival attendees in the Chevy display. Slum Village and Nuttin’ But Stringz will be performing in the “Got Love for Chevy” Super Lounge.

This is the eighth year that Chevrolet has sponsored the Music Festival. According to Catton, Chevy’s strong ties to the festival reflect its dedication to community and philanthropy. “Chevrolet is involved in a variety of community, youth and scholarship programs and has worked with great partners like Essence as part of our commitment to give back to our loyal and valued customers,” Catton says.