Tony Allen 3rd Annual Karaoke Night

Tuesday night Grizzlies fans and JIFF supporters gathered at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn for Tony Allen’s third annual Karaoke Night.  The event lasted from 6-8 p.m.  Sponsors of the event were allowed the opportunity to have their photo taken with Allen.

Fans lined up to compete for the chance to perform a song with Tony Allen.  Rebecca Harriss won the competition with her Grizz rendition of Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby.” Harriss and Allen closed out the show by performing 90’s hip-hop hit ” Whoomp There It Is”

Richard Graham, Executive Director  of Juvenile Intervention & Faith-based Follow-up, was also in attendance.  He briefly spoke on the importance of JIFF and the positive impact they have in the community.  JIFF has served over 800 youth since it was founded in 2003.  Graham states that the organization is committed to breaking the cycle of juvenile crime.  The program boasts a drastic reduction in juvenile re-offenders.  85% of juvenile first offenders re-offend.  JIFF has lowered this number to the mid 30% range.  JIFF will serve 180 youth this year, but Director Graham says that they are able to serve 300 youth with proper support.

It costs $88,000 per year to incarcerate a child in a Juvenile Detention Center.  According to statistics and JIFF’s proven success rate,  our government could possibly save over $5,000,000 per year and help our youth at the same time.

The Grizzlies next game is Wednesday night as they host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.