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“One of the world’s greatest jazz vocalist.” – Blues and Soul Magazine

“We didn’t do it, the community did it.
It’s really the individuals that make these programs work.”
- Gloria Taylor, Executive Director, Community Women Against Hardship

St. Louis, October 14 , 2005 – With an exciting auction, appetizing array of gastronomy, and internationally recognized celebrity talent, the 17th Annual Charity Benefit for Community Women Against Hardship (CWAH) teases you to reach out to the less fortunate. Presented by Missouri Lottery, American Family Insurance, and First Bank, with sponsorship support from National City Bank and Watkins Building Group, the gala concert event features America’s #1 Jazz Singer, Ms. Carmen Lundy. Lundy is an innovative jazz vocalist, Broadway actress, and gifted painter. The Auction Chairman is celebrated St. Louis Rams Wide Receiver, Isaac Bruce. Be sure to catch this sophisticated lady and generous gent at the world-class, acoustically perfect Sheldon Concert Hall on November 13th in historic Grand Center.

About Carmen Lundy

An innovative vocalist and gifted actress, Ms. Carmen Lundy is celebrated throughout the world. Lundy interprets material with playfulness and passion. According to the Washington Post, "her voice erupts with sax-like phrases over a rhythmically turbulent backdrop." With over forty published songs, many recognize her accomplishments as a composer and songwriter. Having recorded seven albums as a leader, this soulful technician ranks high with her audiences. Ms. Lundy has sung with
symphonies, and performed the lead role in Broadway’s musical, “Sophisticated Ladies.” Considering the company she keeps, her accomplishments should not surprise us. Ms. Lundy has worked with musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Barron, John Hicks, Ernie Watts, Mulgrew Miller, Marian McPartland, and Regina Carter.

About Isaac Bruce

A member of the St. Louis Rams since his draft pick in 1994 and the CWAH Board, wide receiver Isaac Bruce is unstoppable both on and off the field. This star has a big heart when it comes to community involvement, and proudly serves as the 2005 Auction Chair for the 17th Annual Charity Benefit of CWAH. Nicknamed "Reverend Ike," Bruce wants to be a minister after his playing days are over. Whether he donates turkey’s to feed the homeless, game tickets to various schools and organizations, or participates in community Board Membership, Isaac Bruce is a class act. Throughout the year, Bruce has donated $25,000 through endorsements and performance donations to one organization alone! A former Rams spokesman for the United Way and Rams’ True Value Man of the Year, Isaac also partners with Haz-Waste to provide jerseys and limousine rides for children. In St. Louis he adopted Bruce Elementary and makes frequent visits to school and celebrates his birthday with the students.

Benefits of Community Women Against Hardship

Known for its inventive approach to youth development, the programs of CWAH encourage the community to turn around challenging hardships with each referral. The not-for-profit 501c3 organization offers a resourceful program lineup to help feed, clothe, teach and house families undergoing hardship. With a move to a newly renovated building, and the launch of its jazz institute in July, CWAH provides hope. “We didn’t do it, the community did it. It’s really the individuals that make these programs work,” said Executive Director, Gloria Taylor. Their Institute for the Advancement of Jazz Study and Performance focuses on the development of children in 7th – 12th grades. In recent years our nation’s education system left a devastating void with the cut of music programs. “These were the cultural things that made a difference in self-esteem,” Taylor said. With the help of individuals, firemen, and multi-denominations (from Muslim and Jewish to Catholic), CWAH has changed attitudes and behaviors in over 5,000 of the women and children it has served.

People Against Poverty Campaign

A campaign partnership with The St. Louis American Newspaper, People Against Poverty helps individuals in need. Public churches, organizations, and agencies are given the opportunity to nominate people in need. CWAH does not chose them.
After each nomination period, a campaign committee selects 20 families from the nominees. Each family is then profiled, in order for CWAH to provide better assistance to those struggling with poverty issues. A variety of ticket options are available to match your level of support. Enjoy reserved seating, concert cuisine and the auction at a Corporate rate of $100 per person or Individual rate of $75 person. Guests may attend the Concert Only at $50 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Community Women Against Hardship at www.cwah.org / (314) 289-7523 or Metrotix at www.metrotix.com / (314) 534-1111. All proceeds benefit the CWAH Family Support Center.