International artist painter Philippe Valy to include an official anthem to President Obama's award.

March 1, 2009 - PRLog -- Singer and songwriter Maristella was chosen for the privilege to write a song for a new worldwide innovative movement to reward a smoker's efforts to kick the habit. From the beginning, she knew that the song needed to be about the struggle; about how many times people quit smoking and fail and try again; about the commitment that a person needs to get through one day at a time, which explains the title ‘Day after Day.’  It was also important however to express the hope that overcoming the habit can be a reality.  "I'm not a smoker but I realize that many artists are, and I understand how easy it must be to cling to something whether you're stressed or trying to be creative," she says.  Maristella became obsessed with the cause and with inspiring people to find the strength that they have within.  After discovering that President Obama also struggles with the habit, Maristella was more inspired to spread the message of hope and determination.   She explains, “President Obama always talks about the hope we should have for our future and I would love the opportunity to tell him that he can also have hope in the fact that he can quit this debilitating habit.” Yes, ‘Day after Day’ is about weakness and even the side effects of smoking.  But the song is so much more about power, courage and hope, ‘hope’ being the opportune word.

'My Last Butt by Valy' provides support to smokers wanting to quit smoking, to raise awareness of the detrimental effects of the cigarette by the means of artistic events such as concerts, plays, street shows, sculptures, paintings and other activities.  It will organize preventative operations with miscellaneous establishments to also increase awareness among young people of the influence of smoking on our lifestyle, without having to stigmatize, tax or stress the smokers.

Originally, Philippe Valy created 'My Last Butt by Valy' as a microsculpture representing a crushed cigarette.  The project rapidly became popular, and Valy decided to start an entire movement including music and poetry.  Discovering that President Obama was also struggling with the smoking habit, Valy and his team realized that no one is exempt from the addiction.   The team agreed that this prestigious award should also include different elements from various artists.  Valy then asked international singer and songwriter, Maristella, to be included in the award for President Obama.  She was honored to be asked to contribute to this important cause and wanted to dedicate a song to our new President.  Maristella adds, "I began working immediately, and wanted the song to be sincere and powerful. I visualized and imagined the struggle that President Barack Obama endures and the effort that is involved for him to quit the habit.  I also felt strongly that 'Day after Day' should not only be honest about the desperation of being a prisoner to the smoking habit, but it is also a reminder of the hope and strength that we all have within us."  Valy was so pleased with the concept of the song that 'Day after Day' has now become the Official Anthem for the movement.  Since the word 'hope' has become so popular, 'Day after Day' has also become an anthem of hope.

The prestigious award will also include a poem by Poet-in-Residence Emgee, and is due to be presented to President Barack Obama in the near future.

The 'My Last Butt by Valy" Society is made up of noteworthy members including Robert R. Blume, Executive Producer of the Drama Desk Awards in New York City; Muriella Glasgow, Director Relations and 30 years with the UN; Les Schechter, promoter and Founder and President of LSPR; Bernard Fox, President of Fox Sound, Emgee, Poet-in-Residence and Sophie Barattini, President of 'My Last Butt by Valy,' Europe.

For more on the "My Last Butt by Valy" movement, visit www.valy1.com.  To hear the demo and for more on Maristella, visit www.myspace.com/maristellamusic or www.mstella.net.