Singer Accepts Sixth Term as MDA National Youth Chairman

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 11, 2007 — Singing sensation Billy Gilman has been named 2008 National Youth Chairman for the MDA.

The 19-year-old country music virtuoso from Rhode Island will continue to pursue his successful singing career, and also will travel the country for MDA, educating thousands of young adults and teenagers about MDA’s continuing battle against neuromuscular diseases.

Gilman performing at the 2007 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon

The Association’s Youth Chair since 2003, Gilman performs at major conferences of MDA’s national sponsors, such as the International Career Development Conference of DECA (an association of marketing students) and ERA Real Estate’s International Business Conference.

He also helps spread MDA’s message of hope through news media interviews and appearances at Association events. During 2007, those included Milwaukee; Orlando; Reading, Pa.; and Las Vegas (at which he co-hosted the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon).

“Being able to share the story of MDA’s efforts to help people with devastating muscle-wasting diseases is one of the richest aspects of my life,” Gilman said. “It’s vitally important that people my age support those programs however we can.”

Gilman has been a commanding presence on the recording scene since he gained instant national prominence as a young teen in 2000. He has earned four Billboard Music Video Awards, and in 2001, received the American Music Award for Favorite New Country Artist.

In 2008, Gilman will go on tour for the first time in six years. Beginning with large venues such as the Mohegan Sun and Foxwood Resort and Casino in his native New England, he will perform throughout the country for much of the year.

MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said he’s impressed by Gilman’s transition from young teen superstar to trusted spokesman for a new generation. “Billy has matured beyond his years and become a powerful humanitarian voice,” Lewis said.

MDA is a national 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.

For more information about Gilman, visit www.billygilman.com.