Entertainer Sheryl Underwood, from THE TALK, Raises Money for HBCUs

LOS ANGELES - Jan. 22, 2014 - PRLog -- Entertainer Sheryl Underwood, philanthropist and co-host of THE TALK on CBS television, is putting her energy and celebrity to good use. Underwood, through her Pack Rat Foundation for Education is championing education by raising money for all 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through a series of fundraising events targeted to fraternities, sororities, DJs and all who support the dream of a college education and those who desire a college education.

Underwood will launch the National NPHC Stroll Contest and Step Show and Ultimate Battle of the DJs on January 25 at CSU Northridge in Los Angeles, CA at 7pm.  Underwood has connected with The Core DJ’s Worldwide to create the Ultimate Battle of the DJs competition to highlight talented DJs across the country, offering prizes and membership in The Core DJs Worldwide. As a strong member of the Greek community Underwood created the National NPHC Stroll Contest and Step Show as a way for fraternities and sororities to 1) showcase their organizations and founding principles and 2) win prize money for their organization.

As co-host of the Emmy-nominated show THE TALK, recently renewed for a 5^th year, Underwood is seen daily by over 3 million viewers; she is heard and seen by millions more via Sheryl Underwood Radio and her live performances. Underwood says “raising money for HBCUs is the right thing to do. These schools have a legacy of providing access to education to individuals who may not have had the opportunity to attend college, many for financial reasons.”

According Underwood, who is 23^rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the only entertainer to hold this national post, says “The National NPHC Stroll Contest and Step Show is a chance for NPHC member organizations to present a 5-7 minute commercial for their fraternity or sorority.  It is an amazing marketing opportunity to shine the light on the legacy and relevance of Greeks.”

Contestants for the National NPHC Stroll Contest and Step Show and the Ultimate Battle of the DJs must register online at http://www.SherylUnderwood.com.  Participants can register to compete in any of the cities where events are scheduled. There is no fee to register to participate.

For information, to register as a contestant; buy individual or group tickets or to donate go to http://www.SherylUnderwood.com.

The NPHC Stroll Contest and Step Show and the Ultimate Battle of the DJs event is open to the public.  A large part of the judging criteria includes crowd participation so contestants are encouraged to bring their cheering section. Tickets are $20.14 in advance and can be purchased online at SherylUnderwood.com. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Tickets purchased at the door will be $25.00 for the general public or an amount equal to the founding year of attending Greek fraternities and sororities in paraphernalia. Group discounts for tickets are available in advance only.

Underwood adds, “If you can’t attend, then make a donation. Our HBCUs need our support.” She adds, “We know that education can change your life. So we need to make sure that individuals, no matter their race, gender, orientation or ethnic background, can get a quality education at an HBCU. Together we can make sure they are available for generations.”

Current Schedule of Events

NPHC Stroll Contest and Step Show and Ultimate Battle of the DJs

Northridge
Los Angeles, CA
Saturday January 25, 2014

Paul Quinn College
Dallas, TX
Saturday, February 22, 2014

Morris Brown College
Atlanta, GA
Saturday, April 5, 2014

HBCUs interested in scheduling a Pack Rat Foundation for Education fundraising event hosted by Sheryl Underwood, and companies interested in Sponsorship Opportunities should contact Monica Newman McCluney, President and CEO, Stratica Group at 202-669-7208.

About Sheryl Underwood

Sheryl Underwood is a savvy businesswoman and a multi-faceted, multi-media entrepreneur who is recognized as one of the most articulate, well-informed women of our time. She is a much sought after entertainer and public speaker who is described as one of the world’s brightest contemporary humorists. Underwood is Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Pack Rat Productions, Inc. and is the 23rd International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Underwood joined the television show THE TALK on CBS for the start of season two, sitting alongside hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne and Aisha Tyler. The show averages over 2 million viewers per day. With Underwood at the table, THE TALK received its first Daytime Emmy nomination, and has been renewed for a 5^th season. Underwood, who has received numerous awards and accolades, was named one of the 10 most influential talk show hosts on Twitter in 2012.

Underwood’s Pack Rat Foundation for Education:  HBCU Initiative, through the National NPHC Stroll Contest and Step Show and Ultimate Battle of the DJs, will raise much-needed funds for all 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and offer tens of thousands of dollars in prize money to contestants.