Friday, December 3, 2010
Tenor Anthony Kearns to Headline USO Benefit for Wounded Warriors and ThanksUSA at the New Zealand Embassy on Sunday,
December 5
Washington, D.C. – The Embassy of New Zealand announced today that it will host a one-of-its-kind charity benefit
featuring world renowned tenor Anthony Kearns for the USO’s "Operation Enduring Care,” a $100 million initiative to
support wounded warriors and their families on Sunday, December 5, at 5 p.m.
The invitation-only groundbreaking holiday reception will also benefit ThanksUSA, a non-partisan charitable effort to
mobilize Americans of all kinds to “thank” the men and women of the United States armed forces by providing need-based
scholarships for their children and spouses.
“It is my distinct privilege to host this extraordinary benefit – with our special guest, Mr. Anthony Kearns, one of the
world’s finest tenors – in honor of wounded warriors and military families throughout the world,” said New Zealand
Ambassador Rt. Hon. Michael Moore. (www.nzemb.org)
Ambassador Moore said New Zealand is proud to host the charity benefit for the USO's “Operation Enduring Care” and
ThanksUSA’s scholarship program. “These fine organizations do excellent work in support of those in uniform and their
families, and New Zealand recognizes their considerable efforts,” said Ambassador Moore.
“It’s an honor to be invited to join the New Zealand Embassy’s celebration for two great causes during a wonderful
evening of friendship and song,” said Mr. Kearns. Kearns is a founding member of the popular singing group, The Irish
Tenors. In 2010, Mr. Kearns – who enjoys a robust solo career, received the “Best Irish Tenor” award from the Irish
Music Association. The Irish Tenors are considered to be Ireland’s No. 2 musical export, next to the world famous rock
band, U2. (store.anthonykearnsmusic.com)
“We thank the New Zealand Embassy for their generous initiative in support of Operation Enduring Care,” said Sloan
Gibson, president of the USO. “With this support, the USO’s wounded warrior program will continue to make a difference
in the lives of our wounded warriors and their families.” (www.uso.org)
"It’s encouraging and humbling to participate in this cooperative effort with the New Zealand Embassy generously opening
its doors to a benefit concert by Ireland's finest tenor, Anthony Kearns, in partnership with the USO, to honor our
nation's military personnel and their families during this holiday season," said Bob Okun, Chairman of ThanksUSA's
military family scholarship charity. (www.thanksusa.org)
Since before the entrance of the U.S. into World War II, the USO has been the bridge between the public and our troops,
providing a touch of home for troops stationed around the world. The USO’s “Operation Enduring Care” will provide a
first-class network of support for our wounded warriors and their families across the country.
Pointing to the Wellington Declaration signed on November 3, 2010 between the U.S. and New Zealand, Ambassador Moore
said: “The U.S. / New Zealand relationship is one which is built on shared values and principles. We recall the long
history of shared U.S and New Zealand sacrifice in battle, and we honor those, past and present, who borne that
sacrifice. New Zealand and the United States share a deep and abiding interest in maintaining peace, prosperity, and
regional stability.”
Kearns’ publicist, Kirsten Fedewa, said that Mr. Kearns has a robust touring schedule outside of his work with The Irish
Tenors that includes many high profile engagements for charitable causes. “Anthony Kearns is a gifted performer who
lends his voice to many good works as a way of giving back when he can.” (www.anthonykearnsmusic.com)
This Sunday’s event will be generously supported by the Beer Institute; the Doyle Collection; and others. The USO and
ThanksUSA are 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organizations.
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