Reflecting on 20 years of Tiger Jam
This May, TGR Foundation will celebrate the 20th Tiger Jam benefit concert – and I’ve had the unique pleasure of attending every one of them!
There have been many great Tiger Jam concerts throughout the years, and the event itself has become synonymous with incredible performances. From the Eagles reuniting for the inaugural Tiger Jam to Jon Bon Jovi, John Mayer & John Mellencamp, to Stevie Wonder and Sting to country stars Keith Urban and Darius Rucker, to rock legends Van Halen to current artists like Ed Sheeran and No Doubt, to music icons like Prince – the Tiger Jam concert never disappoints.
Through the years Tiger Jam has provided many special moments. I remember being a part of a small group listening to Celine Dion do her soundcheck – in French; walking into the green room to find Prince and Tiger watching the NBA Finals, and coming upon Sting doing a yoga session backstage before the show. One of my favorite moments though involved the speech given in 2016 by Earl Woods Scholar Evan Chang. Evan is the program’s first doctor and he’s currently completing his residency at UCLA.
“…although I was not dealt the same hand as some of my peers who were born into families with more financial resources, I never once let that fact inhibit my desire to achieve greatness. I am so fortunate to Mike (his mentor & TGRF Board Member) and the Earl Woods Scholarship Program for challenging me to further my limits, and for constantly reminding me that success isn’t defined by where you started from, but rather through overcoming obstacles and showing character through countless hours of hard work and dedication.”
His words that evening left a lasting impact and reminded me of the significant role fundraising events like Tiger Jam play in supporting TGR Foundation programs that offer students incredible opportunities.
Our sponsors, partners and VIP guests that have supported Tiger Jam are the true heart of the event. Whether they’ve attended one Tiger Jam or all twenty, we are incredibly grateful for their part in helping us make significant strides in youth and education. Funds raised through Tiger Jam help TGR Foundation deliver high-quality STEM and college access programs, expand our educator professional development series and advance our digital initiatives.
As we approach the 20th event, we are incredibly thankful to everyone that has helped us grow Tiger Jam into the iconic fundraising weekend it has become. We hope you can join us for our 20th concert, May 18-19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
