Ed Hogan, chairman of the Hogan Family Foundation, has announced that his nonprofit foundation will send a $22,000 donation to Hurricane Katrina victims. The money was raised through the Jazz O’Cajun concert on Wed., Sept. 7 at the Gardens of the World Community Park in Thousand Oaks.

The foundation hired the Bayou Brass, a Cajun music band that regularly performs at Disneyland in Anaheim, for the performance. The concert featured Louisiana jazz music typical of that heard in New Orleans. While Mardi Gras beads filled the air, the sound of “When the Saints Go Marching In” could be heard throughout the Gardens.

More than 300 people attended.

“This is a celebration of the people who survived this tragedy and a salute to their future,” said Hogan. “What happened was devastating, but now we need to start looking to the future. We need to begin the healing process and start rebuilding. That is the American way and I am proud to be able to make a contribution to that effort.”

A minimum $20 per person donation was requested at the door. The foundation matched all funds raised and will accept donations through today, Thurs., Sept. 15.

The funds will be designated for the Armed Forces Relief Trust, which provides help to members of the armed forces who suffered losses during the hurricane.

“These people are away fighting for freedom and now have lost everything. We need to do whatever we can to help them,” Hogan said.

Additional information is available at (805) 480-3034. Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation may do so by sending a check made out to the Hogan Family Foundation to 2834 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320.

Please see related photographs on page 36.