Tenor Anthony Kearns to Headline USO Benefit for Wounded Warriors and ThanksUSA at the New Zealand Embassy on Sunday, December 5

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Embassy of New Zealand announced today that it will host a one-of-its-kind charity benefit featuring world renowned tenor Anthony Kearns for the USO's "Operation Enduring Care," a $100 million initiative to support wounded warriors and their families on Sunday, December 5, at 5 p.m.

The invitation-only groundbreaking holiday reception will also benefit ThanksUSA, a non-partisan charitable effort to mobilize Americans of all kinds to "thank" the men and women of the United States armed forces by providing need-based scholarships for their children and spouses.

"It is my distinct privilege to host this extraordinary benefit – with our special guest, Mr. Anthony Kearns, one of the world's finest tenors – in honor of wounded warriors and military families throughout the world," said New Zealand Ambassador Rt. Hon. Michael Moore.

Ambassador Moore said New Zealand is proud to host the charity benefit for the USO's "Operation Enduring Care" and ThanksUSA's scholarship program. "These fine organizations do excellent work in support of those in uniform and their families, and New Zealand recognizes their considerable efforts," said Ambassador Moore.

"It's an honor to be invited to join the New Zealand Embassy's celebration for two great causes during a wonderful evening of friendship and song," said Mr. Kearns.  Kearns is a founding member of the popular singing group, The Irish Tenors. In 2010, Mr. Kearns – who enjoys a robust solo career, received the "Best Irish Tenor" award from the Irish Music Association. The Irish Tenors are considered to be Ireland's No. 2 musical export, next to the world famous rock band, U2.

"We thank the New Zealand Embassy for their generous initiative in support of Operation Enduring Care," said Sloan Gibson, president of the USO. "With this support, the USO's wounded warrior program will continue to make a difference in the lives of our wounded warriors and their families."

"It's encouraging and humbling to participate in this cooperative effort with the New Zealand Embassy generously opening its doors to a benefit concert by Ireland's finest tenor, Anthony Kearns, in partnership with the USO, to honor our nation's military personnel and their families during this holiday season," said Bob Okun, Chairman of ThanksUSA's military family scholarship charity.

Since before the entrance of the U.S. into World War II, the USO has been the bridge between the public and our troops, providing a touch of home for troops stationed around the world. The USO's "Operation Enduring Care" will provide a first-class network of support for our wounded warriors and their families across the country.

Pointing to the Wellington Declaration signed on November 3, 2010 between the U.S. and New Zealand, Ambassador Moore said: "The U.S. / New Zealand relationship is one which is built on shared values and principles. We recall the long history of shared U.S. and New Zealand sacrifice in battle, and we honor those, past and present, who borne that sacrifice. New Zealand and the United States share a deep and abiding interest in maintaining peace, prosperity, and regional stability."

Kearns' publicist, Kirsten Fedewa, said that Mr. Kearns has a robust touring schedule outside of his work with The Irish Tenors that includes many high profile engagements for charitable causes. "Anthony Kearns is a gifted performer who lends his voice to many good works as a way of giving back when he can."

This Sunday's event will be generously supported by the Beer Institute; the Doyle Collection; and others. The USO and ThanksUSA are 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organizations.

SOURCE ThanksUSA