LOS ANGELES, California, April 10, 2008 -- International singing star Anthony Castelo will receive the prestigious "President's Volunteer Service Award" during ceremonies organized by the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles called "Celebrate LA 2008" on April 27, 2008 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. The award is issued by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, a committee formed by President George W. Bush in 2003 by Executive Order. It recognizes outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations towards their community and country. The Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, education and non-profit organizations. Among the members of the President's Council are Patricia Heaton of "Everybody Loves Raymond", multi-awarded Christian recording artist Michael W. Smith, Jean Case of America Online (AOL), Hollywood actor Stephen Baldwin and Roxanne Spillett, President of the Boys and Girls Club of America.It will be recalled that the Philippine born singer/composer was welcomed to the White House by the U.S. President in 2002 to present a copy of his 9/11 inspired musical composition entitled "Long Live America". In 2004, through a non-profit organization Castelo established, the singer helped secure for Engracia Gutierrez a humanitarian visa to come to the United States. Engracia is the sister and only living next-of-kin to U.S. Lance Corporal Jose Gutierrez, an immigrant from Guatemala who died in Iraq. Likewise, with the help of city officials from Lomita and Carson, Castelo organized a 2004 Fourth of July event honoring Gutierrez and another immigrant soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their adopted country, U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa, a native of the Philippines. The singer also donated part of the proceeds of his patriotic CD to the soldiers’ families.
"On behalf of Long Live America Foundation, it is a privilege for me to receive this recognition and I share this honor with all Filipinos around the globe", Castelo said. "Through the years, America has shared its blessings of freedom and prosperity with the nations of the world. As a thankful immigrant whose native Philippines was liberated by the United States in World War II, it is truly an honor to be of service to this great country", Castelo stressed.
Volunteer Center of Los Angeles Executive Director, Jim Leahy will present the award to Castelo during the April 27 Sunday event. Entrance is FREE and the place will be open to the public from 11 am to 5 pm. Activities of the day include live concerts, carnival games, giveaways, awards, arts and crafts and much more. Castelo, who continues to travel the globe doing concerts and special appearances, will be signing autographs for fans at an assigned booth and where his CDs, DVDs and souvenir items will be available for sale. Part of the proceeds will go to charity.