Philadelphia, PA -- After a near fatal car accident changed his life
dramatically nearly 25 years ago, TEDDY PENDERGRASS, is using his voice
to help improve the quality of life for survivors of spinal cord
injuries (SCI).
The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance (TPA), a
non-profit organization which helps people with SCI rebuild their
lives, has announced an elaborate star-studded extravaganza - the
premiere Black Music Month event, "Teddy 25 - A Celebration Of Life,
Hope, and Possibilities" - to be held June 10th at Philadelphia's
Kimmel Center.
Hosted by actress/comedienne, Mo'Nique,
"Teddy 25" celebrates his life, music, and legacy honoring celebrities,
industry executives, medical personnel, organizations, and personal
friends & family who have contributed over the 25 years to his
well-being. Patti La Belle, Ruben Studdard and Stephanie Mills are
among the performers confirmed along with Teddy himself who will
premiere a new song, written specifically for Teddy 25.
The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance will honor
Whitney Houston, Arsenio Hall, Regis Philbin, Ashford & Simpson,
Cathy Hughes (CEO & founder of TV One/Radio One), Mark P. May (CEO,
Clear Channel), Donald Trump, Daniel Markus & Shep Gordon
(managers), Bob Krasnow (CEO of Elektra/Asylum Records), and his
longtime publicist Lisa Barbaris for their friendship and assistance
through the years.
Along with the honorees, invited celebrity
guests include Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Eddie LeVert, Kindred,
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jill Scott, Musiq, Vivian Green, Jaheim, and Usher to
name a few. Proceeds from the black tie gala will be donated to The
Teddy Pendergrass Alliance.
As the first Black male solo artist to
achieve five consecutive multi-platinum albums including a multiple of
Grammy nominations, American Music Awards, and several other honors
culmed from classics like "Come On And Go With Me," "Turn Off The
Lights," and "Close The Door," Teddy Pendergrass has sustained a career
that spans over three decades; first as a front man for the infamous
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, then as a successful solo artist.
His sold out "ladies-only" arena tours are legendary.
For 25 years, Teddy has been an outspoken
advocate for survivors of SCI, dedicating his time and talent, showing
by example that there is life for people disabled by spinal cord
injuries. "Fortunately I am blessed to be able to continue to
work and be productive as a performer." explains Teddy who after 19
years away from the stage returned in May of 2001 to a sold-out tour.
He established the non-profit organization,
The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance (TPA), and partnered with The National
Spinal Cord Injuries Association and other organizations to spread a
message that there's life after a spinal cord injury. "I was on top of
the world and felt utterly invincible, until one tragic evening in
March 1982; an automobile accident caused my life to change
drastically. I became one of over 250,000 Americans living with a
spinal cord injury (SCI)." shares Teddy. "From personal
experience I recognize a strong need for a coordinated outreach to
individuals with SCI that will encourage them to reach their maximum
potential and that's the mission of The Teddy Pendergrass
Alliance. It is important that those of us with SCI continue to
LIVE and are given the right to LIVE as individuals in the way that we
choose and that society recognizes that people with SCI are people, not
conditions or diseases. We all have challenges; a Disability does
not mean inability," explains Teddy.
In 2005 Teddy Pendergrass was inducted into
The SCI Hall Of Fame created to celebrate and honor those individuals
and organizations that have made significant contributions to the
quality of life and advancements for all individuals with spinal cord
injuries. For more information on Teddy Pendergrass, SCI, and Teddy 25,
please visit www.teddypendergrassalliance.org.
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source:
Jackie O. Asare
4Sight Media Relations, Inc.
Jackieo@4sightmedia.com.
