Elliott Yamin's First Solo Concert to Benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research  9/25/06

American Idol Star Elliott Yamin's First Solo Concert Benefits JDRF: Fans Jump on "E-Train" To Raise Funds

American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin's fans have created a variety of family- oriented fundraising activities that will take place the weekend of Elliott’s first solo concert, at the Virginia State Fair on October 8th, 2006. The soulful crooner has legions of supporters around the world and they have joined forces to form a fan website they call the E-TRAIN (www.etrainstation.com.) Yamin's fans on the E-TRAIN are working together to provide their support for a cause close to Elliott's heart, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Richmond, VA (PRWEB) September 21, 2006 -- Elliott Yamin's fans have created a variety of family-oriented fundraising activities that will take place the weekend of Elliott’s first solo concert, at the Virginia State Fair on October 8th, 2006. American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin has legions of supporters around the world and they have joined forces to form a fan website they call the E-TRAIN (www.etrainstation.com.) His fans on the E-TRAIN are working together to provide their support for a cause close to Elliott's heart, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk for the Cure (JDRF). "I think I can speak for most of us here when I say that Elliott is the inspiration for many of us and we would like to walk in his honor as we support this wonderful cause!" Said Ginger Turner Damato, JDRF volunteer and E-Train co-chair for the weekend's fundraising activities.

Elliott's fans are eager to present him, at the close of his State Fair concert, with a giant white banner signed in multi-colored pens by supporters at American Idol concerts all over the nation. With his banner as backdrop, Elliott will be handed a check representing all the funds raised for JDRF in Elliott's Honor, as a result of the following events:

On October 7th, 2006 the E-train will sponsor a walk-a-thon team to support the Central Virginia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). (E-train is also sponsoring a JDRF Yard Sale on Sunday, October 1.)

Later on the evening of October 7, at 7:00 PM, the E-train (www.etrainstation.com) will be sponsoring the family-friendly Welcome Home Elliott Karaoke Contest and Fundraiser, at the Holiday Inn, North, from 7 pm to midnight, also benefitting the JDRF. Ticket holders will participate in a variety of activities including a karaoke contest, a buffet dinner, raffles, an “Elliott Art” Contest, silent auctions and other games and activities. Admission is $20.00 for adults and teens, $12.00 for kids under 12. (for tickets: e-mail protected from spam bots).

Judges for the Karaoke contest include popular on-air radio personality Melissa Chase of Q94 radio, recording artist/songwriter Jamela Bullock, E-Train founder Brandon Crowe and one or two surprise judges. A life size, truly life-like cardboard cutout of Elliott will be raffled, and during the evening photo opportunities with the star’s likeness will be available for a small fee (all proceeds going to the JDRF). It will take place at the Holiday Inn North location on Parham Road.

Fans from all over the US and even out of the country – including London, England and Canada, have already registered and there are a limited number of tickets still available for this event.

The E-TRAIN fan site (www.etrainstation.com) was founded on May 18th 2006 by fans who pounded the phone lines every Tuesday night to vote for their favorite Idol. Elliott Yamin suffers from Type 1 Diabetes and has long been a tireless supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, in addition to other Diabetes Associations. There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, 7% of the population, who have diabetes. Nearly one-third are unaware they have the disease.

Special thanks to: JDRF sponsor Happy Face Children’s Photography for donating the lifelike cardboard cutout of Elliott.