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AMERICORPS & HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FEATURED DURING FOX’S “IDOL GIVES BACK” SPECIAL

4/10/2008

Volunteers Join First Lady of California Maria Shriver to Honor the Spirit of Volunteerism

Los Angeles CA – April 10, 2008: Several AmeriCorps members serving with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (www.habitatla.org) took part in Fox’s “Idol Gives Back” special, which aired Wednesday evening. Wearing bright yellow Habitat t-shirts, they were invited on stage, with other charitable organizations represented, to provide the backdrop for a speech by First Lady of California, Maria Shriver. She spoke about the spirit of volunteerism and the important role it plays in bettering communities. Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity, the organization’s entertainment division, worked with “Idol” producers to include the AmeriCorps members who each dedicate one year of service to the organization’s mission in exchange for an educational stipend at the end of their service.

On stage at “Idol Gives Back” were AmeriCorps members Jacky Arellano, Bethy Davis, David Johansing, Imani Robinson, and Kate Wright. “It was amazing to be able to stand onstage with Maria Shriver and one hundred other volunteers while she spoke about the importance of giving back,” said Kate Wright. “It was a once in a lifetime experience to look out at the audience and recognize celebrities in the crowd who were looking up at us, there to support the charities and support us as volunteers.”

AmeriCorps members are chosen through a rigorous selection process and commit to one year of service anywhere in the U.S. These members assist in the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes and play an essential role in advocating, uniting and transforming the lives of partner families. The AmeriCorps members learned firsthand how grueling a Hollywood production can be - sitting through a long day of rehearsals. Following their appearance, the AmeriCorps members were treated to the star-studded show, which included celebrity appearances from Brad Pitt, Robin Williams, Reese Witherspoon, Fergie, John Legend, Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood and more. In its second year, Fox’s “Idol Gives Back” is expected to raise more than $100 million dollars to be distributed to six charitable organizations addressing children’s issues and affordable housing.

To find out more about AmeriCorps and Habitat for Humanity, please visit www.habitatla.org or call 310-323-4663.


About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
HFH GLA (www.habitatla.org) strives to eliminate poverty housing through advocacy, education and partnership with families in need to build simple, decent affordable housing. Since 1990, HFH GLA has built more than 230 homes, transforming the lives of hundreds of individuals.

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Jo-An Turman
HFH GLA
310-323-4663 x 121
jturman@habitatla.org


Starfish P.R.
310-849-4364
info@starfish-pr.com

View/Download: 04-10-08 Idol Gives Back FINAL.pdf