Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, His Foundation Honored with
2007 “Spirit of Youth” Award From National Runaway Switchboard

Event Kicks-off November’s National Runaway Prevention Month

                                                                                                                                 

CHICAGO (November 1, 2007) – Award winning musician and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and his charitable foundation, The Ludacris Foundation, were presented with the 2007 “Spirit of Youth” award tonight at the National Runaway Switchboard’s (NRS) annual Spirit of Youth Benefit at the Drake hotel in Chicago.

 

The “Spirit of Youth” award recognizes individuals and organizations who work to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the street. Ludacris voiced his concern for America’s runaway problem in the lyrics to his 2006 hit “Runaway Love” and demonstrated his commitment to America’s youth through his foundation’s partnership with NRS.

 

“When I first wrote the song, I wanted to tell young people that running away from their problems is not the answer and that they were not alone in facing their issues,” said Ludacris. “I’m extremely happy that my association with the National Runaway Switchboard has had a positive impact on those contemplating running away or now on the streets.”

Since Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation have been involved, NRS has experienced a 50 percent increase in calls to its hotline, and the number of visitors to its Web site has increased more than 60 percent.

“Our front-line team members of staff and volunteers have been very busy this year handling calls in our call center,” said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director.

“Between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run from home each year, and Ludacris and his foundation are definitely doing their part by reaching out to youth in crisis.”

Tonight’s Spirit of Youth event raised funds for NRS programs and services that benefit runaway and at-risk youth and their families throughout the country. The evening featured a red carpet reception, cocktail reception, dinner, a live and silent auction, raffle, and the Spirit of Youth award presentation. Jim Rose, sports anchor for WLS-TV, ABC 7, served as the Master of Ceremonies. This year’s Spirit of Youth Benefit was sponsored by Piaget, United Airlines, Carlton Technologies, Greyhound Lines, and Radio Flyer.

Ludacris, Foundation: Helping Youth Help Themselves

Many know Ludacris as a multi-platinum selling musician, actor, record-label executive and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy awards, co-starred in the movie Crash, which won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Picture, and appeared in the critically acclaimed films Hustle and Flow and The Heart of the Game. His latest movie Fred Claus hits theaters on Nov. 9.

The Atlanta-native is also serious about his role as a philanthropist and community servant. He established The Ludacris Foundation in 2001 with the vision of helping youth to live their dreams, uplift families and foster economic development in the community.

“Helping youth help themselves is our motto,” said Roberta Shields, president of The Ludacris Foundation. “It is who we are and what we do. Families are thrust into crisis and turmoil by the runaway issue among many others. Ludacris and the Foundation additional efforts to build awareness include Chris’ image gracing the NRS and Greyhound 2007 Runaway poster, a Nov. 1 launch of a website campaign, PSAs and visits to runaway centers. We are proud to partner with NRS to help youth get off the streets, find a safe haven and get the support they need to move forward in a productive healthy environment.’’

A Place to Call Home
The Spirit of Youth event served as the official kick-off to November’s National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), a campaign sponsored by NRS and the National Network for Youth (NNY) to raise awareness of youth runaway issues and educate Americans about the solutions that help prevent youth from running away.

The theme of this year’s NRPM is “A Place to Call Home.” It is the idea that every child deserves to live in a physical and emotional haven where their rights are respected and their dreams are allowed to flourish.

About NRS
The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually – more than 3 million calls since the organization’s inception. NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Over 10,000 youth have been reunited with their families through the NRS Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc. The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information, visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

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