– Singing Competition to be Held in Celebration of National Donor Sabbath this November–

WHO: The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) and its West Virginia Multicultural Task Force will use a non-conventional approach to touch the hearts of many and raise much needed awareness of organ donation while celebrating National Donor Sabbath this November.

WHAT: A call-for-entries has been issued for Pledge for Life Gospel Idol, a talent search to celebrate life, where contestants are encouraged to submit a 90-second DVD or YouTube video showcasing their talent in the following categories:

• Gospel singer (solo/group/choir),
• Christian rap,
• Mime,
• Spoken word and
• Liturgical dance.

Participation is free and open to individuals across CORE’s West Virginia and western Pennsylvania service area. There is no age limit for contestants.

The final deadline to submit an entry is Friday, October 10, 2014.

WHERE/WHEN: Save the date! Pledge for Life Gospel Idol will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2014 at the West Virginia State University Capitol Center Theatre located at 123 Summers Street, Charleston, WV 25301.

DETAILS: Based on the Pledge for Life Gospel Idol entry submissions received, a panel of preliminary judges will choose the top 10 finalists who will perform live on November 9 for cash prizes that include first place ($1,000), second place ($750), third place ($500) and Viewer’s Choice ($250).

For the registration packet and complete audition rules, please visit www.core.org. 

National Donor Sabbath, celebrated nationally on November 14-16, seeks to bring together faith leaders, donor families, and transplant recipients to highlight the ways that lives can be saved and enhanced through organ, tissue and cornea donation.

About CORE

The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) is one of 58 federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organizations (OPOs) in the United States.  CORE works closely with donor families and designated health care professionals to coordinate the surgical recovery of organs, tissues and corneas for transplantation.  CORE also facilitates the computerized matching of donated organs and placement of corneas.  With headquarters in Pittsburgh and an office in Charleston, West Virginia, CORE oversees a region that encompasses 155 hospitals and almost six million people throughout western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Chemung County, NY.  For more information, visit www.core.org or call 1-800-DONORS-7.