The Johnny Mercer Foundation's "Accentuate the Positive" in school program has found a passionate and charming new ally in Kathie Lee Gifford whose own love of American Popular Song gave her the desire and courage to become a prolific songwriter herself.

Kathie Lee has now generously offered to share her delight in self expression and her unique ability to communicate with children by participating in lyric writing workshops across the country, motivating kids to write from their heart and assuring them that if she can do it, so can they. The Johnny Mercer Foundation is thrilled to join forces with this remarkable lady.

A national campaign launched in 2002 to introduce elementary students to Our Great American Songbook is growing in 2005. Our ambitious program delivers a message to a new generation that is at the heart of Johnny Mercer's work, encouraging a new way of thinking for all areas of their lives, while illustrating how the classic songs of Mercer, Arlen, Ellington, Kern, and Gershwin stand the test of time and are as relevant today as when they were first written decades ago. These are NOT your grandparents songs. These songs belong to now and to this generation.

After a special "Accentuate the Positive Weekend" in Connecticut organized by our partners at Camp Broadway here's what some of the parents and kids had to say,

"I just received your letter regarding the Johnny Mercer performance weekend that my daughters attended in Waterford, CT. I have been meaning to email you! I cannot say enough about that weekend. Although both girls had an amazing time, Colleen, the younger one, is now completely obsessed with Johnny Mercer - and lyric writing. When she returned to school on Monday, she wrote an essay about the weekend. The next day, she wore her t-shirt, brought her CD and materials to school and did a presentation for her class. Her teacher could not believe all she learned -- and how inspired she was! As a parent, it is amazing to watch something click in your child the way that experience did for Colleen." - Debbie C. parent

"Thanks for letting me be in the Johnny Mercer act. I enjoyed it very much. I enjoyed singing, dancing and writing my own lyrics. So thank you. - Angelo G., age 10

"I love the Johnny Mercer Program. I think you are great teachers, leaders and choreographers. I learned a lot. I think it’s great. I write songs better than I did before. Thank you!" -Colleen C., age 8

"Thank you so much for letting me participate in the Johnny Mercer Foundation camp last weekend. I had a GREAT time and I hope I can go next time you do a camp. I made a lot of new friends that I am talking to still and will be for a while. Thanks again." -Ali K., age 11

In the first year of the program, the foundation created a student activity guide entitled LyricNOTES™: The life and works of Johnny Mercer. This guide focuses on the highlights of Mercer's career while offering educational exercises that examine the significance and application of his songs to the contemporary world. Most importantly, LyricNOTES™ explains how a song is born, how music and lyrics are conceived and written, and how these songs reflect our passions and ideals and tapestry of our lives.

Over a thousand children participating in Accentuate the Positive have already received the 32 page educational activity guide used in conjunction with a series of in-school workshops since the autumn of 2002. One recent effort culminated with students producing their own contemporary style music video from one of Johnny Mercer’s songs. Another undertaking had 20 educators from the New York area attending a learning lab to review the guide and understand how to use it for children in grades 3-6. During 2005 the foundation will extend the program nationwide to build on the New York and Georgia schools already using the guide.

We encourage you to learn more about this great program and invite you to: