Creative Healing Initiative Partnership (CHIP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping musicians in the metropolitan Detroit area who have need of health insurance coverage and other healthcare issues.

CHIP has helped raise funds for many local jazz artists since its beginning in 1998.

Previous fund raising events have raised substantial funds for artists who lacked sufficent health insurance and resources. Some past fund raising projects to assist jazz artists (local and internationally known) include:

• Co-sponsorship of a Benefit with the Societie for the Culturally Concerned for Detroit bassist Ray McKinney (Liver/Kidney Transplant – deceased;  2000). Approximately $10,000 raised.

• Special Tribute/Healthcare Fundraiser for Detroit drummer Richard “Pistol” Allen (Cancer – deceased; 2001). Approximately $800 raised.

• Special Tribute/Healthcare Fundraiser for Detroit drummer Roy Brooks (health issues;  2002) Approximately $400 raised.

• Co-sponsored Benefit (with Baker’s Keyboard Lounge) for Detroit composer/arranger/big band leader/saxophonist/pianist Dr. Teddy Harris Jr. (Cancer – deceased; 2004).  Approximately $12,000 raised.

• Special Tribute/Healthcare Fundraiser for Metro Detroit saxophonist/flutist/composer Larry Nozero (Cancer – deceased; 2004). Approximately $7,000 raised.

• Co-sponsored Special Tribute/Healthcare Benefit (with Baker’s Keyboard Lounge for Detroit vocalist Bobby St. Thomas (2005). Approximately $4,000 raised.

• Healthcare Fundraiser/Tribute for Detroit trombonist Mel Wanzo (Cancer – deceased, 2005).  Planning stage currently in process.