Teen Singing Sensation Artist Billy Gilman to Lead
MDA Youth Programs for Another Year
TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 23, 2005 – Billy Gilman, the stellar young
musician who burst onto the recording scene in award-winning style in
2000, has been named to a third term as National Youth Chairman for
the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Gilman, 17, who was first appointed to the voluntary MDA position in
2003, has traveled the nation, leading the efforts of thousands of teenagers
and young adults who devote their time and energy to helping put an
end to neuromuscular disease.
As National Youth Chairman, Gilman appears and performs at sponsor
events such as ERA Real Estate’s International Business Conference
and the International Career Development Conference of DECA (an association
of marketing students). He also supports the Association through media
interviews and appearances at MDA fund-raising events. Gilman performs
and hosts youth segments on the MDA Jerry Lewis Telethon on Labor Day
weekend.
During 2005, Gilman has been busy spearheading MDA’s Teens Against
Dystrophy outreach program, which enlists the help of teens to further
MDA’s lifesaving mission. He also visited MDA summer camp at Camp
Florian in Canton, Mass., on VIP Day.
“It’s such an honor to be invited back for a third term
as MDA National Youth Chairperson,” Gilman said. “I’ve
enjoyed touring the country on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association,
encouraging young people to get involved.”
In May, Gilman released his fifth album, “Everything and More.”
The mixture of traditional country, pop, rock-flavored country and bluegrass
follows “One Voice” and “Classic Christmas”
in 2000, “Dare to Dream” in 2001 and “Music Through
Heartsongs in 2003.”
His fourth album, “Music Through Heartsongs,” features
poems by the late MDA National Goodwill Ambassador and best-selling
poet, Mattie J.T. Stepanek, set
to music.
“We’re thrilled to have Billy Gilman working with us as
our National Youth Chairperson for another year,” MDA National
Chairman Jerry Lewis said. “He’s done an incredible job
with the Association and continues to work hard despite his time-consuming
vocal career.”
Gilman has garnered four Billboard Music Video Awards, and he won the
American Music Award for Favorite New Country Artist in 2001.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular
diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services,
and far-reaching professional and public health education.
The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual
private contributors.
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