The Eric and Deborah D DeWitt VGJazz Foundation marked its launch with a celebrity jazz benefit brunch  to serve as a collective moment to experience amazing jazz , honor the legacy of  Eric K. DeWitt and provide pancreatic awareness. ​The event was hosted by comedian Troy Rawlings with special remarks on pancreatic cancer awareness, early detection and testing from Dr. David Kooby, MD. FACS, Professor of Surgery - Emory University School of Medicine - Emory Chief of Surgery, Northern Arch Chief of Staff, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, Winship Cancer Institute; Dr. Windy Dean-Colomb, MD - Piedmont Healthcare -  Breast Medical Oncology, Cancer Genetics, Hematology Oncology, Medical Oncology; Genetic Counselor Fabienne Eihvet, CGC, MS -  Winship Cancer Institute, Dr. Andrew Page, MD - Piedmont Healthcare - Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology.​

Special guests in attendance were, Mignon Morman Willis, founding member and Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, Teona Ducre, pancreatic cancer advocate, survivor and recipient of the first Eric K. DeWitt  "Living Hero"  award.  World renowned award winning soul-jazz musical artist Frank McComb and his quartet highlighted the event with a musical performance. Founder and CEO, Deborah Davis DeWitt, presented the first EDDVGJF Eric K. DeWitt Living Hero Award with inspirational remarks on the creation of the foundation, the Living Hero award and recipient.  ​  ​