LEXINGTON, KY – Recording artist Kenny Bishop is scheduled to travel to the nation’s capitol for the National Guard 
Youth ChalleNGe Champions Gala. The sixth annual event will take place on March 1st at the JW Marriott Hotel, just across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.
“To be involved in this event is an incredible honor,” Bishop said. “Performing in the very center of the nation’s capitol, in the shadow of the White House and with so many very high officials and dignitaries who are expected to be in the room, I want to make sure I represent the redemption message well.”
According to the organization’s web site, the mission of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year old high school dropouts, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.
The program is available in nearly every state. Cadets live on a military base while enrolled.
“This really is a fantastic opportunity for all of us who believe in the message and hope of second chances,” Bishop said. “It works both ways really, because the National Guard is taking chances on hundreds of young people, many who’ve reached the end of solutions for their needs. Now I’ve been asked to enjoy the beauty of reclaiming them.”
Each year the National Guard Youth Foundation hosts the Annual ChalleNGe Champion’s Gala in Washington DC to raise awareness and support for the National Guard Youth CalleNGe Program. The event includes a reception, auctions, dinner and entertainment, along with inspirational messages by celebrities and successful cadets. Guests include governors, members of Congress, Department of Defense officials, senior National Guard and military leaders, program directors, cadets, national celebrities, corporate and community officials and members of the press. Funds raised create scholarships for graduates of the ChalleNGe Program.
Bishop has partnered with producer Woody Wright to arrange a medley for an ensemble performance that will include several of the ChalleNGe cadets. The song will be performed during the main event. Other guests scheduled to appear include singers Gretchen Wilson and Kris Allen, along with actor Karri Turner, drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and JR Hildebrand and others.
More information on the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program can be found at www.ngyf.org.