Jean Tedrow

Passage Home

PO Box 10347

Raleigh, NC 27605

919-834-0666 x230

jtedrow@passagehome.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grammy Nominee Cynthia Jones and Oprah Winfrey's Contest Winner LaShell Griffin to Perform at Passage Home Fundraiser

Donations support nonprofit's proven programs for homeless families of Wake Co.

RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 2, 2009 - Passage Home, a nonprofit dedicated to ending poverty and homelessness in Wake County, is voicing their need for community and financial support with the voices of two powerhouse singing stars: Cynthia Jones and LaShell Griffin. Jones, a Raleigh native and Grammy nominee, is a neo-soul gospel artist for Kingdom Records; she also serves on the Board of Directors for Passage Home. Many will recognize Griffin as a former winner of Oprah Winfrey's Pop Star Challenge who has currently released her latest CD on her own label DAP Music (Dreams Are Possible.)

The two will perform Nov. 21 at the O'Charley's in Garner at Passage Home's "Sunrise Celebrity Buffet Breakfast," a fundraiser orchestrated by Jones herself to support the nonprofit. Founded in 1992, Passage Home provides a vast array of programs to help and support working homeless families of Wake County.

"Like many nonprofits, Passage Home was hit hard this year by state budget cuts, and our funds are down about $70,000," said Jones. "I've personally committed to raise $5,000 by January 15 to help keep our vital programs going, and this breakfast seemed like a perfect way to do that. I was thrilled that my friend and colleague LaShell agreed to take time out of her busy touring schedule to join us." Each dollar raised will be matched by the Stewards Family Foundation.

"Passage Home's programs have offered a ‘hand up, not a hand out' to thousands of hard-working Wake County citizens over the years," said Jeanne Tedrow, co-founder and chief executive officer of Passage Home. "Especially during this period of economic recovery, people want every dollar they have to count, even if they don't have a lot to give. Our programs have a proven track record and ultimately provide the key to a stronger community for all Wake County citizens, in both the short- and long-term."

The breakfast will include not only performances from Jones and Griffin (who will sing her latest hit song from the new Jeff Majors Sacred Eight album) but also testimonials from successful Passage Home participants.

"O'Charley's service manager, Larry Hudd, graciously opened their doors to prepare and serve a delicious hot buffet breakfast for this worthy cause," said Jones. "So we hope at least 300 community members will join us as we lift our voices to benefit those who are not always heard: the homeless children and families of Wake County."

(MORE)

Those wishing to attend are asked to give a $20.00 tax deductible donation and RSVP by November 18. Donations for the breakfast can be accepted through Passage Home's secure Web site. (http://www.passagehome.org/get_involved/events.aspx and select "Sunrise Celebrity Buffet Breakfast.") For more information, please call 919-834-0666, ext. 237.

Sunrise Celebrity Buffet Breakfast for Passage Home

RSVP by November 18, 2009

Location: O'Charley's, 4380 Fayetteville Road in Garner, NC

Time 7:00 am—9:30 am

919-834-0666 x237

$20.00 donation requested

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Related Links

1. (http://www.passagehome.org/get_involved/events.aspx