As the smooth and soulful sounds of jazz filled the air, the Joe Tom Armbrester Agricultural Center (JTA) transformed from a barn to a chic, jazz restaurant atmosphere on a brisk Autumn evening. Sequins, fellowship, good food and a variety of flowers created a superb backdrop for the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) Foundation’s Jazz at the JTA Fundraising event. The event was held to raise funds for a Greenhouse Garden.

“The Joe Tom Armbrester Agricultural Center, better known as the JTA, is one of the many programs that sets AIDB and the services we provide apart,” said Dennis Gilliam, Ed.D., President, AIDB. “Through this program, all of our students have the opportunity to learn about agriculture and it is absolutely amazing all that is accomplished at this center.”

“The Joe Tom Armbrester (JTA) Agricultural Center offers our students and clients the opportunity to experience agriculture in a number of ways. Plowing, planting, basic mechanics and maintenance, GPS mapping, drone operation, and animal husbandry are just some of the skills that our kids experience,” added Matthew Armbrester, Agricultural, Horticultural, and Biotechnology Program Manager. A day at the farm may include collecting eggs from our chicken coops, feeding our livestock, or picking vegetables from our gardens. Thank you so much to our donors for supporting the JTA and the invaluable work experience it provides to our students. The addition of a greenhouse would not only broaden the scope of what AIDB and the JTA can provide but plant the seeds of success that will last a lifetime.”

As the evening cooled and the music swung, friends of AIDB and JTA gathered together to honor the limitless impact JTA has on AIDB’s students. The evening featured a silent auction and entertainment by Birmingham-based Jazz Artist, The Eric Essix Quartet.

“I have been part of the AIDB Foundation Board of Directors for many years and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the amazing impact that is made when our philanthropic partners come together,” commented Mike Royer, President, AIDB Foundation Board of Directors. “Through Foundation funds we are able to build new facilities, provide our students with the most innovative technology and deliver on our promise of limitless opportunities. More importantly, AIDB is able to make the seemingly impossible, possible by delivering hope, building self-esteem and fostering confidence and independence within every individual.”

Jazz at the JTA was made possible through the support of these generous sponsors:

GOLD SPONSORS: AIDB and the AIDB Foundation, House of Rep. Steve Hurst (District #35), and The Strain Foundation

SILVER SPONSORS: Allen Oil, Champ Creative, First Bank of Alabama, The Greater Talladega Chamber of Commerce, Hicks Construction, Dr. Mike Kulovitz, Mr. Tom Ritchie, Selwood Farms and Talladega Superspeedway.