Fantasia Lends a Beautiful Spirit of Alms from Her Gospel Roots.

Anyone who has seen the young and vivacious American Idol winner Fantasia sing you know she hails from deep Gospel roots. I like her pleasant personality and inspirational demeanor.

Fantasia also has a great testimony about her rise from humble beginnings to become one of the world's most recognized young singers. I feel the Lord definitely has a plan for this young lady's life and tremendous talent.

This American Idol winner is using her fame and influence to help the American Red Cross in its efforts to help those who have been victims of a record number of catastrophes last year. If you are in Washington DC today attend the following benefit for the American Red Cross tonight.

FANTASIA TO PERFORM AT AMERICAN RED CROSS 125TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Washington, DC - J Records award-winning and multi-platinum recording artist and 2004 American Idol winner FANTASIA will perform at the American Red Cross 125th Anniversary Gala this Thursday, May 11, 2006 at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.

Fantasia will kick-off the evening by performing the National Anthem for an audience that will include acclaimed actor Jimmy Smits as Master of Ceremonies, celebrated actress Jane Seymour, who will highlight the historical significance of the American Red Cross, and more than 1,300 Governors, Members of Congress, Corporate Executives, Philanthropists, Washington dignitaries, and Red Cross leaders and friends.

The 125th Anniversary Gala is a tribute to the organization, their employees and volunteers, and their partners, for their countless sacrifices and dedication to ensuring that the Red Cross will always be there in times of need.

Fantasia will also perform her critically acclaimed debut single, "I Believe" which made her the first artist in the history of Billboard's Hot 100 Chart to debut at #1 with her first solo record. Since the release of her debut album, FREE YOURSELF, she has received 20 award nominations including four Grammy nominations, as well as recognition from the American Music Awards, BET, Vibe, Teen Choice, Soul Train, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train "Lady of Soul," and the Billboard Awards. With incredible radio play and critical acclaim, Fantasia has firmly established herself as one of the most exciting new artists in music. She is currently in the studio recording her sophomore album to be released later this year.

American Idol has partnered with the American Red Cross by donating a portion of their profits on American Idol single CD's and digital downloads. RCA and 19 Entertainment donated to the American Red Cross $0.50 for every CD sold and $0.21 for every digital download sold.

The American Red Cross has helped people mobilize to help their neighbors for 125 years. Last year, victims of a record 72,883 disasters, most of them fires, turned to the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross for help and hope. Through more than 800 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people each year gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Almost 4 million people give blood-the gift of life-through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of more than 180 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.