Trisha Yearwood to Raise Her Voice to Support the Starkey Hearing Foundation

EDEN PRAIRIE, MINN. (Patty Gibbs & Company) - For the fifth consecutive year, the Starkey Hearing Foundation will sponsor its annual awards Gala to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to mankind and who strongly support the Foundation's philanthropic efforts. This year, the Foundation will honor Garth Brooks' Teammates for Kids Foundation, Olive Osmond's Children's Miracle Network, the Wayne Gretzy Foundation, and the Richard Schulze Family Foundation. Garth Brooks, members of the Osmond family, Wayne Gretzky, and Richard Schulze (Best Buy founder) will be on hand to accept their awards at the 2005 "So the World May Hear" Awards Gala, which will take place on Saturday, August 20 beginning at 5 p.m. at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn.

This spectacular evening will include performances by country music superstar Trisha Yearwood, singer/songwriter Michael Bolton, pop and stage performer Donny Osmond, and acclaimed composer and musician Paul Williams. Dozens of additional celebrities-- including Lorraine Bracco, Scott Carpenter, Robert Culp, Lou Ferrigno, Senator John Glenn, Marlee Matlin, Mickey Rooney, Marianne Ross, and many others--will also make appearances to support the Starkey Hearing Foundation in its effort to raise $3 million.

"As a musician, I have a deep respect and appreciation for the gift of hearing and the beauty that it brings to life," said Trisha Yearwood. "Having been on an international hearing mission trip with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, my respect and appreciation is equally great for the work it is doing to open the ears of the world's children. Through its many good works, the Starkey Hearing Foundation is not just giving the gift of hearing to those in need but the gift of life."

"It's an honor to share this annual awards Gala with so many like-minded individuals who want nothing more than to make the world a better place," said William Austin, Starkey Hearing Foundation founder. "My heartfelt thanks go to each person for their support."

All proceeds raised during the Gala support the Starkey Hearing Foundation and its mission of promoting hearing health awareness, providing hearing aids for the underprivileged, and supporting hearing research and education. Primarily, monies raised support the Foundation's internationally recognized hearing mission trips. Since 2000, through such mission trips, the Foundation has provided more than 120,000 hearing aids to those in need around the world.

The 2005 "So the World May Hear" Awards Gala will take place on Saturday, August 20 at the RiverCentre in Saint Paul. Doors will open at 5 p.m. To purchase tickets to this year's Gala, contact Debbie Wright at 1.866.354.3254. To learn more about the Starkey Hearing Foundation, visit www.sotheworldmayhear.org.