Platinum Hip Hop Artist David Banner Presents The 2008 Heal The Hood Holiday Reception

Jackson, MS. (Top40 Charts/ Heal The Hood) - Platinum Hip Hop artist DAVID BANNER, whose current CD The Greatest Story Ever Told, debuted at No 4 on the Billboard 200. The Jackson, MS native is set to perform at the American Music Inaugural Ball on January 20 and will attend special events surrounding the President-Elect Obama. BANNER will also perform on the David Letterman Show in February 2009 during sweeps.

WHAT:
DAVID BANNER presents: The 2008 HEAL THE HOOD Holiday Reception, celebrating the completion of HEAL THE HOOD'S 3rd Annual Christmas Gift Project. The purpose of this initiative is to bring holiday cheer to needy families headed by single parents in the Jackson, MS area by providing gifts for each member of the household.
Approximately 60 Jackson area children will benefit from Heal The Hood's Christmas giving this year, representing 20 families. Ten of the families were chosen because at least one child is enrolled in the mentoring program of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mississippi.
The other 10 families in need were selected by an on-air opportunity to convey their need during WJMI's Christmas promotions. Gifts are being purchased from retailers in Jackson primarily based on the wish list of the families.
Heal the Hood is also including age appropriate developmental and educational gifts for children. Each family will also receive a $50 gift card to help buy groceries and other items for their holiday celebrations.

DAVID BANNER will personally deliver the gifts to families, assisted by a small team of volunteers.

WHERE/ MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2008:
WHEN:

105 East Capitol, Jackson, MS
2 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - DAVID BANNER/HEAL THE HOOD to distribute gifts
*Onsite Interview Availability
Onsite Contact: Nina Packer at (678) 409-4634

WHERE/ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2008:
WHEN:

SCHIMMEL'S RESTAURANT
2615 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216
6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. - DAVID BANNER interview availability
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - HEAL THE HOOD Reception

COMMENTS:
The mission of HEAL THE HOOD, Inc. is to provide relief and recovery assistance to under resourced populations of the Gulf Region in response to natural disasters and to support youth development and recreation opportunities in Mississippi on an ongoing basis. For more information, please visit www.healthehoodinc.org.

CONTACT:
Sandy Friedman 310/854-8109
Karen Sundell 310/854-8167