Contact: Gayle Converse, (404) 756-6701; gconverse@msm.edu
For Immediate Release
July 16, 2008 Medical School Will Celebrate News During Host of Events Showcasing the Flavor of Morehouse School of Medicine
Atlanta - In what may be an unprecedented business move, an Atlanta-based medical school is partnering with an establishment known for its wine - and all in the interest of health care. Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) will launch its new alliance with The Grape® during this year's National Medical Association (NMA) Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly. The 2008 NMA gathering will take place in Atlanta from July 26-31, 2008. In support of the national organization, MSM will host several events at a variety of venues between the dates of July 27-30, 2008
While known for offering consumers quality and meaningful value, The Grape's® commitment to making positive change within the community was discovered to be in harmony with the MSM goal of promoting healthy lifestyles and a partnership was born. The collaboration is based on The Grape®/MSM VIP Card. With each wine purchase from the Wine Seller at The Grape®, 10 percent will be donated to the MSM Annual Founder's Fund. The fund helps bridge the gap between tuition and the true costs of a health professions education. Funds support scholarships, the library, and classroom and technology enhancements.
"The partnership between Morehouse School of Medicine and The Grape® is an exciting opportunity," said MSM President Dr. John E. Maupin Jr. "In this unique collaboration, the Morehouse School of Medicine goal of promoting a culture of wellness and healthier living by all Americans is blended with The Grape's® outstanding efforts to invoke positive change in the community. We are confident that this new alliance will prove fruitful in making a positive difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve."
In addition to the contribution to MSM from each wine purchase from the seller each cardholder gains VIP membership benefits, including advance notification of The Grape® events, wine dinners and specials and member-only events.
The Grape's® largest franchisee is Atlanta-based Forte Entertainment Group, which is owned by former Delta Air Lines executives Aaron Dent and Pat Wildenburg, and a small group of private investors, including R&B singer/entertainer Usher. Dent and Wildenburg have created a new face to this incredible wine and food experience within the communities in which they operate. Restaurant locations in Atlanta include Inman Park and Atlantic Station. Other locations are in Charlotte, Orlando and Las Vegas.
"Forte Entertainment Group and The Grape® are thrilled to support the Morehouse School of Medicine's Annual Founders Fund through financial contributions made possible by The Grape®/MSM VIP Card," said Dent. "Each cardholder will enjoy all the benefits The Grape® has to offer, while coincidentally helping deserving students achieve their academic aspirations."
During its July 27 Taste of Atlanta Taste of Atlanta Taste of Atlanta Jerry Peters Kirk Whalum
National Medical Association Convention events hosted by Morehouse School of Medicine:
A Taste of Atlanta Welcome Reception The Flavor of Morehouse School of Medicine
Date: Sunday, July 27, 2008 Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Special Guests: Jerry Peters, renowned producer, arranger, and keyboardist Kirk Whalum, smooth jazz saxophonist and eight-time Grammy nominee Location: Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA Sponsor: UnitedHealth Group *Media welcome
National Alumni Association Dinner and Jazz After Glow Alumni Association Dinner Date: Monday, July 28, 2008 Time: Reception 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Location: World Trade Center, Atlanta Club, SunTrust Plaza, 303 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA Sponsors: UPS, Vision Service Plan (VSP), MAG Mutual Dinner ticket prices $150 You may order tickets online at www.msm.edu or by phone at 404-752-1935. *Media welcome
Jazz After Glow Date: Monday, July 28, 2008 Time: 9 p.m. - Midnight Location: The Grape® at Inman Park, 300 North Highland Avenue, Atlanta, GA Transportation provided to The Grape® from the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Sponsor: The Grape® at Inman Park *Media welcome
MSM Campus Tours and Exhibit Explore MSM's Campus and History Exhibits Date: July 28, 29, 30, 2008 Time: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Morehouse School of Medicine campus, 720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA Transportation: provided to and from the campus. Shuttles will leave from the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and the Westin Peachtree Plaza. Sponsor: Regions Bank *Media welcome
About Morehouse School of Medicine Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) recruits and trains minority and other students as physicians, biomedical scientists and public health professionals committed to improving the health and well-being of communities. MSM is a member of the largest consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the world - the Atlanta University Center (AUC). Web site: http://www.msm.edu
About The Grape The Grape wine bar, bistro and retail seller offers guests a one-of-a-kind wine experience with delicious gourmet fare in a relaxed, entertaining environment. As an ultimate wine resource, The Grape demystifies wine and creates a non-intimidating atmosphere where you can "try be fore you buy" allowing guests to taste, drink and purchase wines to ensure a satisfying experience.
Over 120 wines from around the world are classified by taste-using The Grape's 10-part Classification Guide. The Grape has provided wine lovers with edu-tainment in a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere since 2000. Currently there are 14 locations in four states, including Georgia, Alabama, Florida and North Carolina. For more information, visit www.thegrape.com.
About VSP
VSP Vision Care provides comprehensive eyecare benefit plans to over 54 million members nationwide. VSP's Sight for StudentsSM www.vsp.com. |
