Artists Join Together To Benefit The Southeast Tornado & Flood Victims

Hendersonville, TN (May 19, 2011) – That character was displayed when Christian and Country music artists came together Tuesday afternoon to lend their voices to the Somebody Cares for the Southeast Disaster Relief Benefit Special, hosted by Gary Chapman.  The two-hour special, collectively produced by Daywind Records, New Day Distribution, FamilyNet and NorthStar studios, was created to raise funds for Somebody Cares, a Christian organization that works hand in hand with the Red Cross, FEMA, the Salvation Army and others.  They currently have teams in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia assisting with everything from serving meals, removing debris and providing counseling.   All of the artists, as well as the behind-the-scenes staff and crew, donated their time and talents to raise money for this organization, and in turn, make a difference to those affected by the deadly tornadoes.

Artists such as Danny Gokey, Michael English, Ray Stevens, Rachael Lampa, Karen Peck & New River, Montell Jordan and many others came out to support this great cause.   For some, the reason they chose to participate in this benefit was a personal one.   The accapella group, Committed, winner of NBC’s The Sing Off, were displaced from their homes in Huntsville, Alabama in the days following the storms.  Lora Poore of the up-and-coming group, Faith 3, witnessed the storm’s devastation first-hand when the only part of the house remaining was the interior closet she and her family were in.  These stories, and many more, will be included in the special, as these artists convey to viewers just how many families were personally affected by the storms.

“Today, I had the pleasure of interfacing with some who many would consider celebrity, yet who were willing to become part of something bigger than themselves to bring hope to those who have suffered so much in the recent tornado and flood stricken areas of our nation,” shares Doug Stringer, Founder and President of Somebody Cares America.  “Their investment to participate in the Somebody Cares for the Southeast Disaster Relief Special was filled with moments of authentic compassion filled with emotion and, at times, tears.   The sacrifice of their time will help to bring attention and awareness to the ongoing needs, even when most of the media shifts to other news stories.  It will help to leverage and empower organizations and churches in their communities to continue to be a tangible expression of Christ love.”

The benefit special will initially air on FamilyNet on Sunday, May 22^nd at 7:00 pm ET, and will continue to air repeatedly on FamilyNet, American Life Network, and other Christian networks.  Check www.familynet.com or www.comstarmedia.com for more information on those airings.

To donate to this cause, simply text the word “icare” to 37284, or log onto www.somebodycares.org.  You will be able to donate any amount, and it is all 100 % tax deductable.  All of the proceeds go directly to Somebody Cares® to help the victims of this disaster.