Tenor Anthony Kearns Raises Funds for CharityWorks

Kearns delivered a stunning performance at 'The Best of the Best' Wine Tasting Benefit at Barry Dixon's private estate on Saturday, May 14

MCLEAN, Va., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tenor Anthony Kearns' beautiful voice helped create a perfect evening for CharityWorks' by-invitation-only "Best of the Best" 100 Point Vintage Wine Tasting on Saturday night at the historic home of interior designer Barry Dixon in Warrenton, VA.

"Our guests were absolutely thrilled with Anthony Kearns' performance on Saturday night," said Leah Gansler, founder of CharityWorks, a nonprofit group based in McLean, VA, who invited Kearns to sing at the benefit for two local charity organizations, Live It Learn It and ThanksUSA. Funds raised in the intimate setting (approximately 180 guests) will help CharityWorks reach its $1 million goal for 2011.

The wine tasting included 10 rare wines rated 100 points by either Wine Spectator or Wine Advocate, paired with fabulous foods prepared by some of DC's most celebrated chefs, including Cathal Armstrong from Restaurant Eve, RJ Cooper from Rogue 24, and Patrick O'Connell from the Inn of Little Washington. TV Personality Montel Williams emceed a live auction at the soiree.

"I was very pleased to co-host with CharityWorks what was certainly the best party of the season," said Dixon.  Dixon said Kearns' performance, coupled with the dynamic personality of Montel Williams, created the perfect ambiance for the private fundraiser.

"I was delighted to get the call from Leah Gansler to help support these two fine charities that deliver educational opportunities to those in need. I'm glad we could put our shoulders to the wheel and make it work," said Kearns. Kearns was interviewed on News Channel 8 in anticipation of the event. (News Channel 8 Interview)

Kearns, who was accompanied on piano by Andy Luce of Washington, D.C., flew in from Dublin to perform at the special benefit, despite preparing for an opera in Ireland. Kearns stars as the lead tenor role, "Don Ottavio," in Mozart's opera Don Giovanni at the Lismore Opera Festival on June 4 and 5. (Lismore Music Festival)

ThanksUSA Founder and Chairman Bob Okun said, "We appreciate the support of a great organization like CharityWorks and our co-charity, Live It Learn It. It was truly a delight to hear the wondrous voice of Anthony Kearns, who has partnered with us many times before."

Kearns, an original founding member of the popular singing group, The Irish Tenors, recently teamed up with Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell at the home of Chris Simmons, managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, for a benefit concert for ThanksUSA. Together they raised funds for five college scholarships for the children and spouses of military families.  Kearns also headlined a concert for ThanksUSA and the USO's "Wounded Warrior" program in December at the Embassy of New Zealand. (Anthony Kearns Music)

"CharityWorks has done so much for other charities, in the past and it's an honor to be recognized by them. We're excited to have been a part of this wonderful night," said Matthew Wheelock, executive director of Live It Learn It.

CharityWorks will host its annual Dream Ball on October 15, 2011 to benefit ThanksUSA and Live It Learn It. Honoring longtime philanthropist Norma Ramsey, the gala will take place at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.  For information, visit: http://www.charityworksdc.org

About CharityWorks

CharityWorks unites corporate leaders, donors and volunteers with high performing non-profit organizations doing the hard work of helping families and children in need, with a special concern for military families.

About Anthony Kearns

Tenor Anthony Kearns has performed in the world's most prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House.  His flourishing international solo career includes major television appearances, operas, concert tours, and collaborations with the finest orchestras, including the Boston Pops, the Chicagoland Pops, and the Czech National Orchestra.  He is a member of The Recording Academy ("The GRAMMYs"), the premier association that honors excellence in the recording arts and music industries.

About Barry Dixon

Barry Dixon's Manor the historic Elway House, is a gorgeous home rich with history. At the time of its creation, the Elway House was the largest residence in the Washington DC area. West Virginia Senator Johnson Newlon Camden built Elway House for his only daughter. One hundred years later, Dixon bought Elway and is continuing the tradition. 

About ThanksUSA

ThanksUSA is a charity that offers hope and encouragement to America's military families by providing need-based educational scholarships to the dependents and spouses of active duty U.S. military personnel, with special consideration for the wounded and fallen.

About Live It Learn It 

Live It Learn It is a charitable organization that ignites a priceless love of learning by delivering rigorous classrooms lessons to students in Title I (high poverty) DC public schools that include first-hand exposure to DC's world-class cultural, historical and natural resources.

SOURCE CharityWorks