Big Boi And Big Kidz Foundation to Recognize Five Artists as “Champions of the Arts” this Saturday July 16th!

For over half a decade, The Big Kidz Foundation (http://www.bigkidzfoundation.org) has been dedicated to developing socially conscious youth by using the arts as a positive impact on their lives. This year, The Big Kidz Foundation will celebrate their five year anniversary by honoring five extraordinary supporters of the Arts during their “Champions of the Arts” Charity Gala. On Saturday, July 16, 2011 at the Atlanta City Hall Atrium, five of Atlanta’s most celebrated arts warriors will come together in Atlanta, GA to be honored by global music and pop culture icon, Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and the Big Kidz Foundation.

“As we celebrate our 5th Anniversary, we want to pay homage to those who support the Arts and recognize the importance of arts programs in our community. This is a milestone year for us. We have a lot to celebrate as we have made tremendous strides to empower youth” says Jennifer Lester, Executive Director of the Big Kidz Foundation.

Hosted by CBS Atlanta News Anchor and Artist JaQuitta Williams, the Foundation plans to make its mark on the City of Atlanta.    The event will be attended by the city’s most influential art supporters representing the arts, entertainment, civic and business communities. They can expect a unique cultural experience that will be memorable. The honorees for the five year anniversary are some of the most talented and recognized leaders in the arts. Each of them has demonstrated a passion for the arts and has used their talents and influences to impact the lives of others. Each artist represents various genres of the arts from music to visual art and film.

The “Champions of the Arts” honorees:
Monique – Oscar winning actress, comedian and acclaimed talk show host of the “Monique Show”;
Jasmine Guy- Accomplished actress, dancer, producer and director, currently in production at True Colors Theatre;
Susan Booth –Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre, Activist, named “Best New Visionary” by Atlanta Magazine;
Lauri Stallings –The “Dancemaker”, creator of gloATL, and celebrated choreographer;
Gilbert Young – Renowned African American artist best known for the famed work “He Ain’t Heavy”.

“I know the power that the arts can have on our kids. I am proof that it can take you places you’d never imagined. I urge fans, supporter and peers to get involved” said Antwan “Big Boi” Patton.    

The Big Kidz Foundation is on a mission to change the lives of young people by using the Arts as a platform. In addition to honoring the art champions, the foundation will launch the “Saving Lives Through the Arts” Campaign. During the event supporters will be encouraged to “raise their paddle” as a special donation appeal is made to raise funds for Big Kidz Foundation programs. 100% of the funds raised will be used to impact our youth by providing in-school programs and other quality youth development programs.

The “Champions of the Arts” celebration will held at the Atlanta City Hall Atrium, (55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta GA 30303), on Saturday, July 16, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Individual Tickets are $150.00 and are available at http://www.bigkidzfoundation.org. All ticket purchases are tax deductible.

About the Big Kidz Foundation:
The Big Kidz Foundation is the philanthropic vision of Outkast member Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. It is an effort to take education and knowledge to another dimension. Established in 2006, with a firm belief that cultural exposure, musical and literary expressions, and the invaluable experiences of travel, makes for a well-rounded person, and solidifies the result of the mission. Big Boi of the Grammy Award winning duo Outkast, has had a global impact on the music business and is recognized for the success of this groups originality and non-traditional creativity. The Big Kidz Foundation offers over five programs that are provided in schools throughout metropolitan Atlanta. For more information, please visit: http://www.bigkidzfoundation.org.