This translation is not completely accurate as it was automatically generated by a computer.
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By Kathy L. Gilbert*
4:00 P.M. EST March 28, 2011
Lil Jon photo courtesy of NBC.
The big “Celebrity Apprentice” winner Sunday night wasn’t just Lil Jon – it was also children and youth at the north Georgia United Methodist Children’s Home.
The rapper and “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant won $40,000 for his
first time as a project manager on the hit NBC show. His designated
charity is the North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference’s United
Methodist Children’s Home, located in Decatur.
The money – which will be collected on next week’s show – will go to
the facility’s family-housing program to provide shelter for homeless
families.
“Our family-housing program does not receive any funding from the state
of Georgia,” said Terence Johnson, director of programs. Currently eight
families, about 30 people, need shelter.
Children and staff at the Georgia home have been glued to the
television on Sunday nights since the Atlanta rapper and music producer
chose them for all the money he wins on the show, which will run until
May.
“Lil Jon called us last fall to see if it was OK for him to pick us
as his charity,” Johnson said. “Of course, we were ecstatic. From that
point on, we have been rooting for him. We are hoping he can get a
chance to be a project leader again.”
Johnson said the musician spent most of a Saturday at the children’s
home learning about the facility and meeting and playing with some of
the children.
Lil Jon photo by Jiccasso Stylez.
"I chose the United Methodist Children’s Home as my charity because
it’s a personal thing for me. My family took in some foster kids when I
was young, so I know the importance. Every kid deserves a good home and
the best opportunities," said Lil Jon.
The United Methodist Children’s Home was established in 1871 to care
for children orphaned during the Civil War. The ministry provides
services for children from birth into their early 20s, including foster
care, residential and family housing, and independent and transitional
living for older youth.
Johnson said the children hope to have a reception and a talent show for Lil Jon after he finishes “Celebrity Apprentice.”
In addition to the money, the staff is also thrilled about the
national and local media attention that they hope will benefit the
children.
“We have a great need for foster parents,” Johnson said. “If anyone
is interested in being a foster parent anywhere in north Georgia, we
really want them to submit applications or at least inquire so we can
follow up.”
Lil Jon’s winning episode of “Celebrity Apprentice” may be viewed here.
*Gilbert is a multimedia reporter for the young adult content team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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