DoSomething.org's Kick-Off Event Hosted By Kevin Jonas Reveals Five Finalists Who Are Rocking Social Change

NEW YORK, May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, DoSomething.org hosted a live event at the B.B. King Blues club in New York City to celebrate 13 semi-finalists who are making a difference in the world. The kick-off event was hosted by Kevin Jonas (The Jonas Brothers) with special musical guest performances by Rose and the Thorns and the Plain White T's and appearances by Aimee Teegarden (Prom), Jason Ritter (The Event), Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), singer JoJo, and Jared Eng of the popular "Just Jared" blog.

The show also featured past and present Do Something award winners, including a surprise reunion between Jason Ritter and David Feigenbaum, a 2007 Do Something Award winner. Staples, an event honoree, unveiled the new Staples for Students campaign PSA featuring the cast of Pretty Little Liars.

"It's a good night when the crowd screams louder for young social change-makers than they do for actual rockstars," said Nancy Lublin, CEO and Chief Old Person at DoSomething.org.

The night ended with the announcement of the five finalists advancing to the annual Do Something Awards to be hosted by Jane Lynch (Glee) airing on Thursday, August 18th 2011 at 9PM EDT on VH1. Each nominee is honored for their commitment to service and social change. Of these five nominees, a grand prize winner will receive a $100,000 grant for their cause during the broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Four of the finalists will receive a $10,000 grant for their cause. The final five finalists are:

• Taryn Guerrero Davis from Buda, Texas of the American Widow Project
• David Schwartz from Providence, Rhode Island of The Real Food Challenge
• Sarah Cronk from Bettendorf, Iowa of the Sparkle Effect
• Adam Lowry from Neptune, New Jersey of Move for Hunger
• Mark Kabban from San Diego, California of Youth Leaders Living Actively (YALLA)

"I've had the pleasure of personally meeting each of these inspiring 'Do Something Award' finalists.  Their enthusiasm is contagious.  Their dedication is impressive.  And their accomplishments are truly impactful and amazing.  Unlike any of mine," said Tom Calderone, President, VH1. "We can't wait to share their incredible stories on our national telecast on August 18."    

The Do Something Awards on August 18th will also feature celebrity categories honoring the entertainment industry for its continued dedication to activism and charity projects. All voting for these categories, including influential celebrities, musicians, comedians, and athletes, inspiring films and television shows, and social media initiatives can be done by the public starting today at DoSomething.VH1.com.

Since 1996, DoSomething.org has honored the nation's best young world-changers, 25 and under. The Do Something Award is the premier national award for community service, and nominees and winners represent the pivotal "do-ers" in their field, cause, or issue. In addition to honoring the five finalists, The DoSomething Awards will also honor celebrities and other organizations that have done something outstanding for their communities.

For event photos from the kick-off event click here and for more info on the Do Something Awards on VH1 on August, 18th go to DoSomething.VH1.com.

About DoSomething.org

DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US that helps young people rock causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers:  young people who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.  Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.

For more information visit: http://www.dosomething.org/programs/awards

About VH1

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 95 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1.com and VH1 Mobile. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

SOURCE VH1

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