LUDACRIS HONORED BY
NATIONAL RUNAWAY ORGANIZATION

Ludacris and the Ludacris Foundation to receive the 2007 Spirit of Youth Award from the National Runaway Switchboard

ATLANTA – (October 26, 2007) – Hip hop superstar Chris “Ludacris” Bridges will be honored by the National Runaway Switchboard  (NRS) Thursday during the charity’s annual Spirit of Youth benefit in Chicago.

Bridges and The Ludacris Foundation will be presented the 2007 “Spirit of Youth” Award which heralds the work of individuals and organizations that aim to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the street.

The event will be held at Chicago’s renowned Drake Hotel located on 140 E. Walton Place, Chicago, IL. It begins with a red carpet media event at 5:00 p.m. followed by a VIP and cocktail reception/silent auction. The Spirit of Youth Awards dinner begins at 7 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony and live auction.

Ludacris first voiced his concern for this issue in the lyrics to his 2006 smash hit “Runaway Love” and further demonstrated his commitment by developing a partnership between The Ludacris Foundation and the National Runaway Switchboard that has resulted in a 50 percent increase in calls to the NRS hotline and 60 percent increase in visitor traffic to the non-profit’s website.

“When I first wrote the song, I wanted to tell young people that running away from their problems is not the answer and that they were not alone in facing their issues,” he said. “I’m extremely happy that my association with the National Runaway Switchboard has had a positive impact on those contemplating running away or now on the streets.”

“Helping youth help themselves is our motto,” said Roberta Shields, President of The Ludacris Foundation. “It is who we are and what we do. Families are thrust into crisis and turmoil by the runaway issue among many others. Ludacris and the Foundation additional efforts to build awareness include Chris’ image gracing the NRS and Greyhound 2007 Runaway poster, a Nov 1 launch of a website campaign, PSA;s and visits to runaway centers. We are proud to partner with NRS to help youth get off the streets, find a safe haven and get the support they need to move forward in productive healthy environment.’’

The annual Spirit of Youth event raises funds for NRS programs and services that benefit runaway and at-risk youth and their families. NRS, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. The crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information about the group, visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.

For media credentials and inquiries contact Barry Florence, BDC World Public Relations at 202.365.5401 or via email to bflorence1@verizon.net.

 About the Ludacris Foundation

The Ludacris Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization created to help young people achieve their dreams through the encouragement of “Principles of Success.” We aim to show young people in America that they are the builders of their future. We primarily use music and the arts to connect with young people by listening to their views, issues, and challenges. Our efforts reach youth at all age levels.

Founded in 2001 by multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY® award winning artist and actor, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, TLF has achieved notable success. TLF has been named as one of the top twenty "Leading Philanthropy Foundations" by Black Enterprise magazine and featured in The Robb Report’s Worth magazine and The Chronicles on Philanthropy, The Newspaper of the Non-Profit World, for outstanding efforts provided to urban communities. For more information, visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org.

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