Jesusfreakhideout.com Music News, September 2008: MICHAEL W. SMITH VISITS THE WHITE HOUSE AND JOINS SENATORS MCCAIN AND OBAMA IN NEW YORK CITY

MICHAEL W. SMITH VISITS THE WHITE HOUSE AND JOINS SENATORS MCCAIN AND OBAMA IN NEW YORK CITY

Smith Supports and Promotes Two U.S. Service-Based Organizations

NEWS SOURCE: Provident Label Group
September 5, 2008

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) September 5, 2008 – As Michael W. Smith gears up for the release of his 21st album, A New Hallelujah (10/28), “Smitty” heads out next week to join a cast of U.S. leaders as they celebrate and promote two U.S. service-based organizations: The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and ServiceNation.

On Monday September 8, Smith will perform on the South Lawn of the White House as leaders gather to celebrate President George W. Bush’s commitment to service through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the very organization he appointed Smith to Vice-Chair in January of 2006.

On Thursday, September 11, Smith will join Senators John McCain and Barack Obama in New York City as part of an event bringing together the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and ServiceNation – a powerful new coalition of more than 100 groups dedicated to strengthening our democracy and solving problems through civic engagement and citizen service.

“I can’t begin to tell you how much these two organizations are making a difference in lives across the globe. I am grateful to have served on the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation and look forward to hearing more about the incredible efforts yet to launch through ServiceNation next week,” shares an inspired Smith.

About the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation
Established in January 2003 by President George W. Bush, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation is comprised of a diverse group of leaders who share a deep commitment to promoting and strengthening the culture of volunteer service and civic participation in America. These leaders from the private and non-profit sectors, entertainment, athletics, education, and government are charged with promoting and recognizing the contributions that Americans of all ages and backgrounds are making through volunteer service, and they encourage greater public access to information about existing volunteer opportunities. More information on the Council can be found at www.whitehouse.gov.

About ServiceNation
ServiceNation is a campaign for a new America. An America where citizens unite and take responsibility for the nation’s future. An America that restores the great tradition of citizen service, and honors the profound sacrifices made by so many Americans who have passed before, from the small band of Founders to the millions who have fought for equality and justice at home, and defended our freedom abroad. ServiceNation is about an America that is ruggedly idealistic, compassionate, and above all committed to the idea of shared sacrifice in pursuit of America’s boldest promise: liberty and justice for all.

To begin this journey, ServiceNation will unite leaders from every sector of American society with hundreds of thousands of citizens in a national campaign to call on the next President and Congress to enact a new era of service and citizenship in America, an era in which all Americans will work together to try and solve our greatest and most persistent societal challenges. This campaign will launch with a ServiceNation Summit, Sept. 11-12 in New York City, and build with a national grassroots movement aimed at inspiring widespread public support for a new and transformational national service act that will encourage all Americans to step forward and take the lead in bridging our divides, strengthening our communities, and building a more vibrant democracy. For further information, please visit, www.bethechangeinc.org/servicenation.

About Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 20 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, 3 GRAMMY® Awards (from 13 nominations) and 42 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and 33 No. 1 radio hits. In addition, he holds 16 Gold and 5 Platinum albums and career sales approaching 15 million.

Over his 25-year career, Smith has used his platform as a leader and acclaimed entertainer to serve, teach, and lead offstage. He recently completed production on his 21st record, which releases on October 28, 2008. A New Hallelujah, his third worship album, is a live project with special guests that offers a unique, moving worship experience.

Constantly giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown -- a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. -- which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. He is married to Debbie Smith and they are the proud parents of five children. For up-to-date information on Michael W. Smith, please visit www.michaelwsmith.com or www.reunionrecords.com.

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