American Idol Lee DeWyze Returns to Chicago Today: Kicks Off Hunger Action Month

CHICAGO, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Idol Season 9 Winner Lee DeWyze announced his support for Feeding America's Hunger Action Month at a Chicago press conference today -- the first Hunger Action Month event for 2010. This September is the third annual Hunger Action Month.

Hunger Action Month is a multi-faceted effort to mobilize the public to end hunger in the United States. Dozens of local and national events are planned to raise awareness of the pervasiveness of hunger in the United States.

Feeding America is the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, providing food and groceries to more than 37 million people annually, through a network of more than 200 food banks and 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency feeding sites.

The Cheesecake Factory is a Lead Sponsor of Hunger Action Month.

"I was shocked to learn that more than 49 million Americans live at risk of hunger, including 17 million children," said DeWyze. "I am so eager to help Feeding America spread the word about the extent of hunger in this country, and to help in any way I can."

Lee DeWyze was entertained at the press conference by a special performance by the Children's Choir of St. James Catholic Church of Arlington Heights, Illinois, the school DeWyze attended as a child.

"Our food banks are helping more people than ever before, so Feeding America is thrilled to have Lee DeWyze bring attention to the urgent issue of hunger in our nation," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. "We are equally pleased with the generous support of  The Cheesecake Factory, which has contributed more than $1.2 million to our efforts in the past two years."

Feeding America's Hunger Action Month is a multi-faceted effort to mobilize the public to help feed the more than 49 million who frequently struggle to find adequate amounts of nutritious food to feed themselves and their families.

The theme of Hunger Action Month 2010 is "30 Ways in 30 Days," based on the concept that that everyone can help in some way, small or large, to help end hunger – whether as an advocate, organizer, doer or donor.

The Cheesecake Factory continues its partnership with Feeding America by inviting everyone to make a pledge to take action in support of Hunger Action Month throughout the month September. The Cheesecake Factory has created a special "Share Your Voice" website, http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/share, which provides a conduit for guests to make a pledge in one of five ways, such as donating food, volunteering, writing to elected officials, advocating to friends, and donating money to Feeding America.

In exchange for pledging through this website, guests will receive a special video thank you featuring the ten American Idol Season 9 Finalists. Additionally, for a donation of $5 or more, guests will receive an e-Slice redeemable for a complimentary slice of cheesecake* at The Cheesecake Factory.

(*Donors will receive the e-Slice approximately 48 hours after making online donation. e-Slice may be redeemed for one complimentary slice of cheesecake on a future visit. Dine-in only. One e-Slice per person. Expires 10/31/10. Offer not valid in New Mexico.)

As part of the American Idol Live Tour, The Cheesecake Factory created a pop-up Idol-oke stage, where concertgoers can sing for the chance to meet Season 9 winner Lee DeWyze at The Cheesecake Factory in Hollywood. Hopeful singers will take to the stage to sing the uplifting classic "Lean on Me." Each performance is videotaped and uploaded to the "Share Your Voice" website at http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/share. American Idol fans can also submit a performance of "Lean on Me" online from now until September 30. The Grand Prize winner will be announced on October 18.

"We are delighted to provide a platform for America to collectively share their voices at American Idol concerts and on our website," said David Overton, Founder of The Cheesecake Factory. "As a proud supporter of Feeding America, we are happy to reward donors with a slice of cheesecake as a thank you for their financial contribution to this very worthwhile cause."

The Cheesecake Factory will support Feeding America by donating the equivalent of 3.5 million meals through proceeds from each slice of its recently debuted Reese's® Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake. The Cheesecake Factory has donated more than $1.2 million to Feeding America over the past two years which equates to approximately 8.4 million meals.

The REESE'S Trademark and trade dress are used under license.

About The Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated created the upscale casual dining segment in 1978 with the introduction of its namesake concept. The Company operates 162 full-service, casual dining restaurants throughout the U.S., including 148 restaurants under The Cheesecake Factory(R) mark; 13 restaurants under the Grand Lux Cafe(R) mark; and one restaurant under the RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen(R) mark. The Company also operates two bakery production facilities in Calabasas Hills, CA and Rocky Mount, NC that produce over 70 varieties of quality cheesecakes and other baked products. For more information, please visit www.thecheesecakefactory.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

SOURCE Feeding America