THE HOUSE ANNOUNCES ITS 3RD ANNUAL CINDERELLA BALL

Ruben Studdard, Kyle Maynard to Headline Event at Willard InterContinental in Washington

The House, Inc., a Virginia-based non-profit organization investing in the lives of Northern Virginia students in 4th-12th grades, is pleased to announce the 3rd Annual Cinderella ball for students with disabilities May 31, 2008.

The 3rd Annual Cinderella Ball is a Prom Night designed especially for Middle and High School students with disabilities and will be held at the Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C, Saturday, May 31, at 6:00pm.

This special event will be highlighted with the live presentations from recording artist Ruben Studdard and best-selling author Kyle Maynard.

Ruben Studdard, the 2003 winner of “American Idol” who has gone on to become a successful, award-winning recording artist, will be meeting the guests, signing autographs, and performing a live concert for the students and their families.

Kyle Maynard is an ESPY Award winner and author of the New York Times bestseller No Excuses. Kyle was born a congenital amputee without forearms or legs below the knees but has found the secret to living a full and active life, and he will be sharing his compelling story.

This will be Kyle’s third Cinderella Ball appearance, an event he truly believes in. “Everyone in life has obstacles to overcome,” Kyle said. “If it weren’t for people in my life – my parents, coaches, teachers, and friends – and my faith in God, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s people like those at The House, with their events like the Cinderella Ball, who are making the needed difference in students’ lives.”

Kyle will also present the 3rd Annual “No Excuses” award to a student for accomplishments and determination in overcoming obstacles.

This year's event will be at the Willard InterContinental in Washingson, D.C. "The event site was selected because of the generosity and invitation by the Willard InterContinental Hotel," said The House President Helen McCormick. "The combination of this Five Star location, celebrity entertainment and public support will ensure a lasting memory for our students and their families as we face tomorrow today."

"We are seeking help in heightening the public awareness and invitation to join the work to improve the lives of student," McCormick added. "We ask poeple's assistance in collecting formal dresses of all sizes and accessories that provide the finishing touch to the Cinderella Ball. Our young men will receive shoe shines from our military's finest. In addition, gifts of socks and silk ties are being donated. We provide the free gift of dresses, hair and makeup appointment, shoes, jewelry, ties and other finishing touches to our student guests."

The entire event is free to students, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Individuals and corporations wanting to support the Cinderella Ball are welcome to call 703-928-1402 or 571-237-5860 for more information.

The House, Inc., A Student Leadership Center for students in Woodbridge, conducts before-school, after-school and weekend leadership programs for at-risk students in grades 4-12. For more information, please visit www.thehouse-inc.com.

The House, Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible.