Kansas City is, perhaps, best known throughout the world for its unique contribution to music — jazz, which now has become respectable, adopted by symphonies, and taught in conservatories of music. It has taken many forms, but basically it remains the old robust music that reflects the Kansas City spirit. The Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors, Inc., Incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 1984, was created as part of the Kansas City Jazz Commission by then mayor Richard L. Berkley. The mission of the KCJA is to help preserve the rich cultural heritage of jazz in Kansas City, and to support and promote the musicians, students, businesses and fans of the Kansas City jazz community. Our financial support comes primarily from membership fees, tax-deductible donations, and fundraising events. A majority of the proceeds from our fundraising efforts go directly to our Musician’s Assistance Fund (MAF) and the Tommy Ruskin Memorial Scholarship Fund.