MegaFest's Woman of Purpose Concert to feature Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson, Brandy, Baby Face, Mary Mary

DALLAS, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Jennifer Hudson, an Oscar and Grammy winner, will perform at T.D. Jakes' MegaFest Woman of Purpose concert. Comedian and talk show host Steve Harvey will host the event featuring a performance by pop star and actress Brandy. A portion of concert proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy group. Two families with children on the autism spectrum will be recognized at the concert which will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. CDT at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Additional performers at the Woman of Purpose concert include: Joe, Baby Face, Mary Mary, Tamar Braxton, Kim Burrell and Ray Chew. Celebrity mothers who champion awareness of autism Holly Robinson Peete and Toni Braxton will also be recognized during the event.

MegaFest will take place Aug. 29-31 in Dallas and will offer fun-filled activities for those of all ages and interests including Oprah's Lifeclass, the inaugural International Faith & Family Film Festival, the Just Churchin' Comedy Show, the Ball Up Streetball Classic Tour Championship and empowerment sessions for men, women, young adults and children.

The partnership between MegaFest and Autism Speaks focuses on reducing the average age of diagnosis and increasing access to high-quality early intervention for all children on the autism spectrum. Many studies have documented that minority populations are diagnosed later than the general population. Early identification and early intervention give children with autism the best chance of improved outcomes. Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

Autism Speaks will host a booth in MegaFest's healthcare pavilion with clinicians providing short consultations with families who have concerns about their child's early behaviors. During these "Ask a Clinician" sessions, families can sign up for a 10-minute appointment with an expert to discuss specific problems and receive guidance on the next steps. The family-friendly booth will have space for children to play and families to relax. The Autism Speaks science team will be on hand to provide information on the nationwide Early Access to Care Initiative, with tips and recommendations on strategies for promoting a child's healthy development.

Tickets for the Woman of Purpose concert are available at Mega-Fest.com. American Airlines Center is located at 2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219.

Media interested in covering MegaFest and the Woman of Purpose concert must request credentials at Mega-Fest.com/press. For questions or to make an interview request call 1-866-257-5474, or send your email request to [email protected]. 

Visit Mega-Fest.com for more confirmed talent and special event updates, and stay connected via Twitter by following @tdjmegafest, @wtalconf, @mpconf and @myecode. For more information about the AutismSpeaks resources at MegaFest go to autismspeaks.org.

General admission tickets for all special events can be purchased by visiting Mega-Fest.com or Ticketmaster.com.

About MegaFest
MegaFest has welcomed more than 700,000 attendees since its inception in 2004. Past speakers include Aretha Franklin, Steve Harvey and Dave Ramsey. This is the first time MegaFest will be hosted in Dallas. For more information and to register for MegaFest please visit Mega-Fest.com.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed nearly $200 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 40 countries on 5 continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.AutismSpeaks.org.

SOURCE MegaFest