VH1 Save The Music Foundation Announces 2013 Ambassador Class Including: Mariah Carey, Matchbox Twenty, B.o.B., Ingrid Michaelson, Robin Thicke, LeAnn Rimes, Andy Grammer & Henrik Lundqvist

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in our nation's public schools, announced their 2013 Ambassador class this week with an innovative social media campaign entitled "Pass the Note" kicked off by Mariah Carey and a traditional announcement by Andy Grammer on VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live!

The Foundation's Ambassador Program, comprised of prominent musicians, athletes and stars of the film world who have committed to being the Foundation's most powerful advocates and fundraisers, have helped raise over 2 million dollars to support the Foundation's cause. Joining Alumni Ambassadors like Beyonce, Colbie Caillat, Jamie Foxx, Natasha Bedingfeld and Gavin DeGraw, Katy Perry, Matthew Morrison, Lupe Fiasco, Gavin Rossdale, Jordin Sparks, Vanessa Carlton, AJ McLean and Chris Daughtry, the 2013 class includes: Mariah Carey, Matchbox Twenty, B.o.B., Ingrid Michaelson, Robin Thicke, LeAnn Rimes, Andy Grammer and New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

"We are incredibly lucky to have such a committed and passionate group of celebrities join our 2012-2013 Ambassador class," said Paul Cothran, Vice President & Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. "By lending their support and influence to our work, we can help to continue to restore instrumental music education programs across the country, helping to ensure that no child be deprived of access to a complete education which includes music."

Launched on November 13th with a social media campaign that included past and present Ambassadors working together to generate followers for @vh1savethemusic and to get #PassTheNote trending nationally, the 2012-2013 Ambassador campaign was kicked off by legendary singer Mariah Carey. The innovative campaign resulted in over 11 million impressions for the Foundation. The next morning Singer-Songwriter Andy Grammer appeared on VH1's Big Morning Buzz Live! to further introduce the official class and explain the mission of their work. View his appearance here: http://on.vh1.com/BMBLagstm

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation began its Ambassador Class program in 2009 with Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Chris Webber, Gavin DeGraw, NE-YO, John Rzeznik, Natasha Bedingfield, The Fray, 3 Doors Down and Venus Williams. The program continued with the 2010 class, which included Jason Mraz, Nick Lachey, Kelly Clarkson, OneRepublic, Fall Out Boy, Mandy Moore, Chrisette Michele and Colbie Caillat and 2011 Ambassador Class consisted of superstars Amber Riley, Ciara, Jewel, John Legend, John Mayer, Lifehouse and Sara Bareilles and 2012 Gavin Rossdale, Jordin Sparks, AJ McLean, Katy Perry, Daughtry, Lupe Fiasco, Vanessa Carlton and Mathew Morrison. This year's Ambassadors will be added to the incredibly talented list of supporters and bring the Foundation one step closer to restoring instrumental music education in the U.S.

For more information please visit: www.vh1savethemusic.org/ambassadors.

About The VH1 Save the Music Foundation:

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America's public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child's complete education. To date, VH1 Save The Music has provided more than $49.5 million in new musical instruments to 1,850 public schools in more than 128 school districts around the country, impacting the lives of over 2.1 million children. To get involved and learn more about the Foundation's 2012 exclusive sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.vh1savethemusic.org or follow us on twitter @vh1savethemusic.

CONTACT:
Nick Carcaterra
Susan Blond, Inc.
212.333.7728 ext.126
[email protected]

SOURCE VH1 Save The Music Foundation