CORE Calls for Singers, Rappers to Inspire ‘Pledge for Life’
– Singing Competition to Celebrate National Donate Life Month –
Pittsburgh, February 9, 2016 – For musically inclined West Virginians who are passionate about the benefits of organ, tissue and cornea donation, it’s time for a mic check.
The Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), a federally designated not-for-profit organ procurement organization (OPO) serving Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and parts of New York, will use the powerful sounds of gospel music to bring people together to share the important message of organ, tissue and cornea donation through its annual “Pledge for Life” WV Gospel Idol Competition.
One of many celebrations throughout this year’s National Donate Life Month, the competition is slated to be held Sunday, April 10 at 3 p.m. at the West Virginia State University Capitol Center, located at 123 Summers St. Charleston, West Virginia, 25301.
“We’re excited to see what West Virginians have to offer during this year’s competition as they honor those touched by donation,” said Susan Stuart, president and CEO, CORE. “What’s even more exciting is that it takes place during National Donate Life Month, when we at CORE will be celebrating those who have given the gift of life, those who have received it and those who are still waiting all month long.”
Interested contestants are invited 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. It is free to participate, and there is no age limit for contestants. The final deadline to submit an entry is Friday, March 11, 2016. Send submissions to lupsher@core.org or mail to Attn: Lisa Upsher, CORE, 204 Sigma Drive, RIDC Park Pittsburgh, PA 15238.
Based on entry submissions received, a panel of judges will choose the top 10 finalists who will perform live on April 10 for prizes that include first place ($1,000), second place ($750), third place ($500) and Viewer’s Choice ($250).
National Donate Life Month was instituted by Donate Life America and its partner organizations in 2003. Celebrated in April, it features an entire month of local, regional and national activities to help encourage Americans to register as organ, tissue and cornea donors and to celebrate those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.
For more “Pledge for Life” Gospel Idol registration and audition rules, please visit www.core.org.
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.