CHRIS “LUDACRIS” BRIDGES, HIS FOUNDATION
TO RECEIVE 2007 “SPIRIT OF YOUTH” AWARD

 

National Runaway Switchboard’s Annual Spirit of Youth Benefit Officially
Kicks-off November’s National Runaway Prevention Month

                                                                                                                                      

CHICAGO (August 16, 2007) – Grammy-award winning musician and award-winning actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and his foundation, The Ludacris Foundation, will receive the National Runaway Switchboard’s (NRS) 2007 “Spirit of Youth” award at the annual Spirit of Youth Benefit on Nov. 1 in Chicago. The event serves as the kick-off to November’s National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM).

The “Spirit of Youth” award recognizes individuals and organizations who work to help keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the street. Ludacris voiced his concern for the 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.

“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,” said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. “NRS commends them for their commitment to helping runaway and at-risk youth.”

“I am extremely happy that my association with the National Runaway Switchboard has had a positive impact on reaching out to runaways and potential runaways. When I wrote the song I wanted young people to know that running away from their problems is not the answer and that they did not have to face every problem alone,” said Ludacris.

A Place to Call Home

For the sixth straight year, NRS and the National Network for Youth (NNY) have teamed up to sponsor NRPM, a campaign 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.

Among the programs slated for November is the Green Light Project. People interested in showing support for runaway and at-risk youth can do so by putting green light bulbs in the porch lights of their homes. They are also encouraged to distribute the light bulbs and educational posters throughout their community.

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. The Foundation’s partnership with NRS began in 2006.

“Reaching out to youth in need is not new for us – it is who we are and what we do. Families are being torn apart as a result of some of the problems that cause young people to run away. Through Chris’ song we are bringing attention to some of these issues. We are proud to be a partner with NRS to help youth help themselves,” said Roberta Shields, President of The Ludacris Foundation.

 

About the National Runaway Switchboard

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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