Operation Kids Adds Live Concert Webcast to Annual Fundraising Gala
Benefit concert by Collin Raye, Jim Brickman to be webcast live to supporters nationwide
SALT LAKE CITY, October 8, 2008 – Operation Kids is already known for its extraordinary annual galas that result in substantial donations to benefited charities, but this year it is taking its event one step further: live streaming. The 2008 headline entertainment concert on Saturday, October 11, by Collin Raye and Jim Brickman will also viewable to fans worldwide, as the global children's charity streams the hour-long performance to its website.
“While we are located in Salt Lake, we have supporters all over the world,” said Rick Larsen, president of Operation Kids. “We have been looking for a way to allow everyone to participate, regardless of their geographic location.”
This year’s gala honors John Walsh for his dedication to children’s safety. All proceeds raised will go toward funding child safety initiatives through the National Center for Missing&Exploited Children, The McGruff Safehouse Network and the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.
Walsh, best known for hosting America’s Most Wanted, has spent his life crusading for children, parents and victims since the tragic abduction and death of his son, Adam, in 1981.
“This year’s gala is the perfect one on which to focus the extra attention,” said Larsen. “We want to help further John’s work by raising the awareness about the need for programs and resources focused on keeping our kids safe online. One way to do that is to reach out to our online supporters.”
The live concert webcast, presented by Fox 13 and XanGo, not only brings the gala’s tribute entertainment to supporters, it also opens up the opportunity for individuals to contribute. While the concert is free, for every $20 donation, viewers will be entered to win an Epiphone guitar played and signed by Collin Raye at the event.
“Typically all of the funds are raised by corporations and organizations,” Larsen said. “We wanted to give everyone a chance to support these great programs and increase awareness about children’s safety.”
The 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award Gala, honoring John Walsh, will be hosted by Dennis Haysbert (24, The Unit), with tribute speeches by Daniel J. Travanti (Hill Street Blues, Adam) and Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, and entertainment by Anna Wilson, Monty Powell, Collin Raye and Jim Brickman.
The event will take place in Salt Lake City on Saturday, October 11. The live concert will be streamed at 9 p.m. (Mountain) at http://operationkids.org/collinraye. More information and registration for the webcast can be found at http://operationkids.org/register
About Operation Kids
Operation Kids is a trademarked d.b.a. of the OK Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to more effective giving. We manage donations that serve the needs of the Whole Child – their education, health, safety and well-being. Founded in 1999, the mission of Operation Kids is to support a community of children’s issues through qualified and measurably effective charities and programs. The “OK Charity” designation means donors can give with confidence and expect accountability and results. 100% of all donations go directly to programs. More at www.operationkids.org.
Blog: http://operationkids.wordpress.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/operationkids