NEW YORK, April 28, 2011  -- American Idol winner Kris Allen and the Music Empowers Foundation today announced a month-long initiative to raise up to $100,000 for the Foundation in support of music education for children.  As part of this initiative, it was also announced that Andy Davis, founder of Music Empowers Foundation, will personally match all donations up to$50,000.  

The fundraiser will commence immediately and end May 31, 2011.  The start of the drive coincides with a three-city concert tour announced earlier this month, which features Kris Allen and the Berklee City Music All-Star Band.  Concerts take place May 2-4 in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.  The concerts are part of a partnership program between Allen, Music Empowers Foundation, andBerklee City Music Network (BCMN) to raise awareness for music education.  As an additional component of the partnership, Allen and Music Empowers announced a two-year $150,000 grant to Berklee City Music and the separate funding of five scholarships for high school students in the BCMN to attend Berklee's five-week summer program.

"25% of all funds raised during the May fundraiser will go directly to fund additional scholarships to Berklee's summer program," explained Davis. "If we reach our goal we can double the number of scholarships."  The balance of funds raised will help Music Empowers continue to provide grant funding to innovative music education programs like Berklee City Music.

Donations to the fundraiser can be made directly by visiting the Music Empowers Foundation giving page or by going to Kris Allen's Web site and clicking on the orange Music Empowers Donate button on the home page.

About Kris Allen

Since winning American Idol in 2009, Kris Allen has become a household name.  After releasing his self-titled debut album in 2009 on 19 Recordings/Jive Records, Kris toured the U. S., opening for Keith Urban, Maroon 5, The Bare Naked Ladies, and Lifehouse as well as headlining his own club tour. His first single "Live Like We're Dying" has sold over 1.6 million copies to date. Kris currently is writing and recording new material for his next album.

About Music Empowers Foundation

Founded in 2010, Music Empowers Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) public charity that provides funding to nonprofit organizations that offer engaging and innovative music instruction to children in communities where music education does not exist or is underdeveloped.  Music Empowers was founded in the ideal that music ignites children's creativity, fosters a sense of accomplishment and empowers them to achieve and succeed in all aspects on their lives. Learn more by visiting www.musicempowersfoundation.org, follow us on Twitter, and become a fan on Facebook.

About Berklee City Music

Berklee City Music is a nonprofit program offered by Berklee College of Music.  It provides music education to 4th to 12th graders in underserved communities.  Berklee City Music combines the breadth ofBerklee resources, facilities and available scholarships with an environment of attention and encouragement.  Kids get the tools and support they need to flourish as students, musicians and confident, well–rounded individuals. For more information visit www.berkleecitymusicnetwork.org.

Contact: Andrew Davis
Email: andy@musicempowersfoundation.org