Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, Sunday, June 10, 2007 Philadelphia-Verizon Hall , Kimmel Center

Crooner and champion for people with spinal cord injuries Teddy Pendergrass is not just celebrating 25 years of living a quality life after experiencing the devastating injuries sustained following an auto crash; he is celebrating Black Music Month and raising funds for the charitable organization that bears his name. The event to be held on Sunday, June 10, 2007 in Verizon Hall at the beautiful state of the art music hall that is the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia will feature some of the nation's best known and best loved entertainers. But that's not all...The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance mission is to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries live their best lives through educational and occupational programs. Pendergrass will honor those who have helped him once he made his choice to live his best life despite being confined to a wheelchair.

Kenneth Gamble, the man who, along with his partner Leon Huff, as well as the talented team of Gene McFadden and John Whitehead, wrote chart-topping tunes for the soul icon, including "Turn Off the Lights," "Come On and Go with Me," "Love TKO" and "Close the Door" were instrumental in Pendergrass' recovery as they were his close associates in the music business at the time of the accident. In fact Gamble refers to Pendergrass as the top artist at the then burgeoning label, Philadelphia International Records which was founded by Gamble along with Huff in 1971.

Though the program is billed as "The Celebration of Life, Hope, and Possibilities" under the musical direction of Bill Jolly, the program will highlight the work of the doctors, friends, family and associates who have helped him through his long and often gruelling venture; Pendergrass says he most looks forward to acknowledging the people who helped him.

"....being able to give these individuals an award that they can take home and put on their mantelpieces that lets them know how much I appreciate them."

The gala will be hosted by comedienne/actress Mo’Nique. It will
feature performances by Patti LaBelle, Stephanie Mills, Ruben Studdard and Musiq, with special presentations by Bill Cosby and the internationally acclaimed Philadelphia Dance Company, Philadanco. Pendergrass will perform live on stage a new song written exclusively for the event, and join the other entertainers in a all-star finale.

The Teddy Pendergrass Alliance will honor LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Arsenio Hall, Regis Philbin, Ashford & Simpson, Cathy Hughes (CEO and founder of TV One/Radio One), Mark P. Mays (CEO, Clear Channel), Donald Trump, Daniel Markus and Shep Gordon (managers), Bob Krasnow (CEO of Elektra/Asylum Records), and the singer’s longtime publicist Lisa Barbaris. The honorees will be joined by celebrity guests and presenters, including Michael Baisden, Melba Moore, Kindred the Family Soul and Vivian Green.

The two-hour gala concert and award program will take place at 4 p.m.
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