Lights, Camera, Action! Kris Allen & Music Empowers Video Contest Will Benefit Local Music Education Programs

NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Music Empowers Foundation and platinum-selling recording artist and American Idol winner, Kris Allen today announced the start of the Music Matters To Me video contest. During the month-long contest, music education supporters will submit short videos explaining why they feel music education is important.  All participants will have the chance to win thousands of dollars for their favorite local music education programs.

All music education supporters who submit a qualifying video will receive a $50 DonorsChoose.org gift card, which they can use to help fund a classroom education project of their choosing.  Those who submit a winning video will receive up to $2,500 in DonorsChoose.org gift cards and a direct donation from Music Empowers and Kris Allen to their local music education program in their honor.

"My fans are very generous and they love to see their contributions put to work at the local level, " said Mr. Allen, who recently raised thousands of dollars for Music Empowers Foundation with an online concert. "Music Empowers and I thought this video contest would be a fun way to help channel some money right back into local music ed. programs that the fans get to choose."

According to Andy Davis, founder of Music Empowers Foundation, funding isn't the only goal of Music Matters To Me. "Because all the videos submitted will be shared on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed, we are hoping to generate increased awareness of the importance of music education and maybe inspire a few new advocates as well," explained Mr. Davis.

The contest is open to all supporters of music education and videos can be submitted through August 31^st.  Contest winners will be announced after Labor Day.  

To enter and learn more about the Music Matters To Me video contest, visit: http://musicempowersfoundation.org/music-matters-to-me.html

ABOUT MUSIC EMPOWERS

Music Empowers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that provides financial support to nonprofits that offer music education programs to communities with limited or nonexistent programs.  Since its inception in early 2010, it has awarded nearly half a million dollars in grants to organizations such as The Dr. Phil Foundation, Little Kids Rock, Berklee City Music, Artists Corps of America, The Quincy Jones Musiq Consortium, and DonorsChoose.org.  For more information on Music Empowers please go to www.musicempowersfoundation.org, become a fan on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

ABOUT KRIS ALLEN

Since winning American Idol in 2009, Kris Allen has become a household name. After releasing his self-titled debut album in 2009 on 19 Recordings/Jive Records, Kris toured the U.S. opening for Keith Urban, Maroon 5, the Barenaked Ladies, and Lifehouse, as well as headlining his own club tour.  His first single, "Live Like We're Dying" has sold over 1.7 million copies.  Kris's second album, "Thank You Camellia" with its hit single, "The Vision of Love" was released in May 2012.  For more information go to http://www.krisallenofficial.com

Contact: Andy Davis, [email protected]

SOURCE Music Empowers Foundation