Hot off the presses!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Chavez, media relations director

Jan. 4, 2008

RICKEY AND SHARON WHITE SKAGGS TO KICK OFF ORGANIZING EFFORT TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR LARGEST INAUGURAL BALL OUTSIDE OF WASHINGTON, D.C.

NASHVILLE -- Rickey and Sharon White-Skaggs will worship tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the Rev. Enoch Fuzz and his congregation at Corinthian Baptist Church in north Nashville as the first official act kicking off the organizing effort behind the largest inaugural ball outside Washington, D.C. to recognize the swearing in of the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama.

The Grammy-winning couple will be introduced to the congregation and the public at noon of the service and are expected to make comments about this historic coming together of people of prominence across racial, religious, class and political lines for the Music City USA President's Inauguration Day Inaugural Ball.

That event is slated for 7 p.m., Jan 20 at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville. The ballroom holds up to 1,100 people. Tickets now are on sale at $100 apiece and are tax deductible. Look at the end of this press release for more information on how and where people can buy tickets.

Skaggs-White is co-sponsor of the Music City Ball along with Fuzz. She and her husband did not support Obama's candidacy but now want people to support him for the good of the nation and Nashville. Fuzz supported Obama's candidacy but sensed the need for more unity if the 44th president of the United States was to be successful in rescuing the nation and Nashville from current economic troubles.

Momentum continues to build behind the Ball as does the number of people who will be helped and recognized. Twenty-one charities will hopefully receive $44,000 in support. Corporate, organizational and individual sponsorships are needed to meet this most worthy goal.

Additionally, 44 servicemen and women and their spouses from Ft. Campbell will be invited free of charge to attend the Ball and stay overnight. Their service to this nation in the war on terror will be recognized prominently at the historic event.

To buy tickets online, go to www.volunteernashville.com. Your tickets will be available at the door on the night of the Ball.

To buy tickets offline, contact the Rev. Jackie Baugh at (615) 569-3010. You can write a check and pick up tickets from her or she will bring the tickets to you. Make your check out to: The New Hope Foundation.

Corinthian Baptist Church is located at 819 33rd Avenue N. 37209.