DaimlerChrysler Partners with Academy Award(R)-Nominated Actor Terrence Howard to Inspire Inner-City Youth Through the Arts
07 Mars 2007 - 5:30PM
PR Newswire (US)
- DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Grants $38,000 to Settlement
Music School in the Name of Actor Terrence - Howard Donation will
benefit the nationally-recognized Kaleidoscope Pre-School Arts
Enrichment Program PHILADELPHIA, March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund announces its plan to once again
join forces with Academy Award-Nominated Actor Terrence Howard to
donate a $38,000 grant to Settlement Music School to help fund
their Kaleidoscope Pre-School Arts Enrichment Program. Howard, a
long time musician, collaborated with DaimlerChrysler -- a huge
supporter of the arts and youth initiatives -- to reach youth who
often miss the opportunity to study arts through inner-city school
programs. The announcement was made today by Frank Fountain, Senior
Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy (Auburn Hills),
Chrysler Group at Settlement Music School's 'Mary Louise Curtis
Branch' in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The donation to Settlement
Music School's Kaleidoscope program resulted from a 2006 charitable
project where Howard and one of Chrysler Group's lead designers,
Ralph Gilles, customized a 2006 Jeep(R) Commander. The proceeds of
the vehicle went to fund a minority automotive design scholarship
at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit. Additionally,
Fountain and Howard agreed to establish another scholarship to fund
an arts program in Pennsylvania, where Howard resides, to provide
other opportunities to reach and encourage youth. "This grant in
the name of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and Terrence
Howard reflects our commitment and understanding of how the arts
empower our young people to develop and succeed despite any
challenging circumstances," said Frank Fountain. "Settlement Music
School, which will celebrate 100 years in 2008, has a history of
enriching young minds and changing lives so DaimlerChrysler
celebrates being a part of this legacy." Settlement Music School
has been a cornerstone for kids studying the arts in Pennsylvania
for nearly 100 years. Specifically, its Kaleidoscope Pre- School
Arts Enrichment Program is a nationally recognized model that uses
the arts to prepare low-income, inner city pre-school students for
academic success. Kaleidoscope is among the 5% of early childhood
programs in the United States to meet the rigorous standards for
accreditation by the National Association for Education of Young
Children. "My guitar is a solace and inspiration," said Howard.
"Kids today need to know and appreciate music and the arts because
it sparks an inner cord that can transform our children in so many
ways. So, I see today as an opportunity to partner with
DaimlerChrysler, Settlement Music School and the children of this
great State to support a music genre that inspires our youth to
greatness." "We are delighted that DaimlerChrysler and Mr. Howard
have chosen to recognize Settlement Music School's Kaleidoscope
pre-school program with this generous contribution. Several studies
have shown that Kaleidoscope is uniquely successful in developing
school readiness skills in children and giving them an important
introductory experience in music, dance and art" said Robert
Capanna, Executive Director of Settlement Music School. About
Settlement Music School Settlement Music School is the largest
community school of the arts in the United States. With six
locations in South, West and Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown,
Jenkintown and Camden, New Jersey, the School annually serves more
than 15,000 students of all abilities without regard to age, race
or financial circumstances, and awards close to $2 million in
financial aid each year. Settlement is dedicated to a mission of
providing all children and adults with the highest quality
instruction and activity in music and related arts. Additional
information is available at http://www.smsmusic.org/ or by calling
215.320.2600. About Terrence Howard Following his Academy
Award-Nominated performance in "Hustle & Flow," which also
garnered Terrence Howard Golden Globe and NAACP Image Award Best
Actor nominations, the National Board of Review Breakthrough Actor
Award and Independent Spirit Award, Howard continued a series of
successful movies in film and television including the
Academy-Award-winning "Crash," the critically acclaimed HBO film
"Lackawanna Blues" and the television movie "Their Eyes Were
Watching God" alongside Halle Berry. Howard will next appear in
"PRIDE," a film he also executive produced chronicling the
achievements of Philadelphia native Jim Ellis who created a swim
team for troubled teens with the Philadelphia Department of
Recreation. "PRIDE" opens nationwide in theaters March 23, 2007.
About Frank Fountain W. Frank Fountain was appointed Senior Vice
President, External Affairs and Public Policy (Auburn Hills) of the
Chrysler Group on January 1, 2004. Fountain is responsible for
maintaining and coordinating DaimlerChrysler's interface with state
and local governments across the country. Additionally, Fountain
oversees Community Relations, National Education Programs, and is
President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund which is the
company's philanthropic organization. He serves as the President of
the Fund and serves on numerous boards for professional
organizations. Since joining Chrysler Corporation in 1973 as an
Investment Analyst, Fountain has held numerous positions of
increasing responsibility in Chrysler's Corporate Controller's
Office, the Treasurer's Office and Chrysler's Government Affairs
office in Washington, D.C. About DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund
Now in its 55th year, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the
primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler
Corporation. The Fund annually supports hundreds of charitable
organizations with an emphasis on community growth and enrichment,
arts and culture, education and youth development programs
throughout the United States and, increasingly, the world. The
Fund's Good Neighbor, Good Citizen(R) programs in 2007 include the
Motown Winter Blast, Chrysler Arts Beats and Eats, the Detroit
Opera House, as well as operating support for the United Way for
Southeastern Michigan. DATASOURCE: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CONTACT: Kevin McCormick of DaimlerChrysler Corporation,
+1-248-512-6218, or Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/ http://www.smsmusic.org/
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