Dallas, U.S.A. — Texting and driving has become a national epidemic that causes 11 teen deaths every day in the United States.  This deadly problem has inspired the launch of a new No Text and Drive campaign, sponsored by The Time Group, which kicked off on December 12, a national public service announcement video featuring Nashville Recording Artist, Rachel Holder.

Holder, a Nashville up-and-comer who has enjoyed recent success with her song, “In Your Arms”, has joined the Dallas-based marketing company to help create awareness surrounding the dangers of texting and driving.  The video release along with Rachel’s free mobile app features more information and an opportunity for users to receive a free No Text and Drive thumb band when they download the app on their smartphone.

“Statistics prove that you are 23 times more likely to crash if you text and drive. Our hope is to create awareness and cause teens to think twice before texting and driving. If this campaign saves just one life, then it will be a success,” said Margaret McKoin, President of The Time Group. Rachel Holder added, “I am proud to be an advocate for safe driving. We encourage teens to wear the thumb bands as a simple reminder to make them think before they text and drive because no text is worth a human life.”

The Time Group, a full service marketing company with over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and nonprofit industries, provides consultation and advocacy for charitable organizations. The No Text and Drive campaign will continue through 2015 and will feature various celebrities, professional athletes, and military heroes all helping to spread the word to stop this deadly epidemic.

For more information and to receive a free No Text and Drive thumb band, download Rachel Holder’s free mobile app on your smartphone or visit www.rachelholder.com.

Along with the launch of Rachel’s PSA video this month, she will also be performing the national anthem at the upcoming NFL Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints game on December 23. Her new release with Curb Records is scheduled for early 2013.

Image Courtesy : Rachel Holder

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Arlington, U.S.A. — The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys announced on October 28, that music superstar and football enthusiast Kenny Chesney will rock Cowboys Stadium on Thanksgiving Day to kick-off The Salvation Army’s 122nd annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Kenny’s performance will be televised Live nationally on FOX during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Washington Redskins on November 22, 2012 at 3:15pm (CT). The concert marks the 16th year of the Thanksgiving Day partnership between the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army, in which time the Red Kettle Campaign has raised more than $1.5 billion.

And now through November 11, fans of the Cowboys and Kenny Chesney can visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org/BoysofFall for a chance to win a trip for four to Dallas to see the Thanksgiving Day game — including on-field passes for the halftime show performance and a meet-and-greet with Kenny.

To enter, just submit a short (60-seconds or less) video featuring youth (pre-collegiate) football highlights. Selected videos may be featured during the Dallas Cowboys halftime show on Thanksgiving Day. One lucky Grand Prize winner will also win a trip for four to see the game live and in-person. Complete contest rules and details are available at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org/BoysofFall.

“There are great traditions in America — especially Thanksgiving, family and football. For 16 years the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army have been an American tradition and I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Kenny Chesney. “I’m calling on all of my fans to not only give back this year but also send in their best football highlights videos for a chance to see me live in Dallas on Thanksgiving Day.”

As one of the most exciting performers in country music, Kenny has sold more than 10 million concert tickets over the past 10 years. Kenny’s performance comes on the heels of his most recent studio album,Welcome to the Fishbowl, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and has yielded the hit singles “Feel Like a Rock Star” “Come Over” and the current “El Cerrito Place.” Kenny has sold more than 27 million albums and had 24 #1 singles. He is a four time Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year and is nominated again this year for the award. He also has four Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Awards.

Kenny’s live halftime performance will mark the 16th year of the musical tradition during the Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game to launch The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Over the previous 15 years, the American public has generously given more than $1.5 billion to Salvation Army red kettles to help 30 million people a year in 5,000 communities each year.

Now in its 122nd year, the Red Kettle Campaign is one of the largest and longest-running charitable fundraisers, raising $147.6 million last year alone. Previous halftime performers who brought awareness to the campaign include Enrique Iglesias, Keith Urban, Daughtry, Jonas Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gillman, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.

“Without a doubt, Kenny will electrify Cowboys Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. His performance will not only kick-off The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, but also get everyone singing along to his great music,” said Charlotte Jones Anderson, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President of Brand Management and Chairperson of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board. “The longstanding partnership between the Cowboys and The Salvation Army is deeply meaningful especially for those in need. We know Kenny and his commitment to the Army will make this a year to remember.”

In addition to giving to traditional kettles, supporters can also give online through the Army’s Online Red Kettles or the Army’s text-to-give program. Through www.OnlineRedKettle.org, supporters can create a virtual red kettle to raise donations from friends and family. Last year, more than $1.7 million was raised through Online Red Kettles to support the Christmas campaign. In addition, through December 24, donors can text the word “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Red Kettle Campaign.

“Since the Red Kettle Campaign began more than a century ago, The Salvation Army has been providing food, clothing, shelter, toys and other assistance to families and individuals during Christmas thanks to the American donor. Without the public’s support, our services would not be possible,” said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “Between Kenny Chesney and the Dallas Cowboys highlighting the kick-off event, we know that this year will be special and that we’ll be able to continue providing critical services to millions of people in need.”

From its humble origin as a fundraiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army workers and volunteers spread throughout the country to ring bells and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers.

In 2011, the campaign raised more than $147.6 million nationwide, a new record supported by the public’s  nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars, credit cards (and the occasional diamond ring or gold tooth) all collected and used to help people in the communities in which the funds were raised. Last year, money raised helped The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, toys and other assistance to 30 million Americans in need.

For more information on The Salvation Army and the Red Kettle Kickoff, please visit http://blog.SalvationArmyUSA.org/, www.Facebook.com/SalvationArmyUSA or www.Twitter.com/SalvationArmyUS.

Image Courtesy of  Kenny Chesney

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Defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants, welcomed one of their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, to MetLife Stadium to kickoff the 2012 NFL season.

Unfortunately, the Giants did not look as good as they did last time they faced the Cowboys in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

In an early defensive gridlock, the Giants took the lead in the 2nd quarter thanks to a Lawrence Tynes 22 yard field goal. Their lead did not last long: two drives later, from their own 22 yard line, the Dallas Cowboys marched right down the field. On 2nd and 5, at the Giants 10 yard line, Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo found wide receiver Kevin Ogletree for a 10 yard touchdown to help retake the lead 7-3.

Dallas started the 2nd half right where they left off. On their first drive, once again Romo connected with Ogletree for a 40 yard touchdown to put the Cowboys up 14-3. Eli Manning and the New York Giants jumped right back into it on their first possession. Manning drove from his own 11 yard line to the Cowboys 10, where Ahmad Bradshaw punched in a 10 yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 4 points. Dallas extended their lead back to 7, toward the end of the 3rd quarter with a Dan Bailey 33 yard field goal.

Dallas extended the lead even further after the Giants failed to drive down the field and were forced to punt. Starting at their own 18, running back DeMarco Murray started picking apart the Giants defense with his quick and explosive runs. At the Giants own 34 yard line, Romo was quick to realize the defensive mismatch, and connected with wideout Miles Austin for a touchdown.

With little time left, and down by 14, the Giants converted two key 4th down attempts to stay in the game. At the Cowboys own 9 yard line, Manning dropped back and connected with ex Cowboy Martellus Bennet. However, it just was not enough after Dallas converted on 3rd and 10. Romo kneeled the Cowboys to a 24-17 victory.

Romo finished the game with 307 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception, and a quarterback rating of 129.5. In what is going to be a pressure-filled season for Romo, he certainly did not let it effect him week 1. As for Dallas’ run game, Murray averaged 6.6 yards per carry and rushed for 131 yards. Ogletree led all receivers with 8 receptions for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns. It was evident that Romo took advantage of the Giants banged up secondary.

Defensively for the Cowboys,  linebacker Sean Lee stole the show and had 12 tackles as well as one forced fumble. In addition, defensive menace DeMarcus Ware hit the 100 sack milestone and is the 28th player in NFL history to do so after his 5 tackles and two sacks against the Giants.

As for the Giants, Manning finished the game off with 213 yards and one touchdown. Bradshaw led the giants in rushing, compiling 78 yards on the ground and on touchdown. As for their receiving core, Victor Cruz led all Giants receivers with 6 receptions and 58 yards. Cruz could have easily bumped his stat sheet but dropped a few passes.

The Giants have some serious concern regarding their secondary. An already injured battered secondary became worse after: Michael Coe got injured in the 2nd half. Coe was already replacing injured corner Prince Amukamara. The Giants had no choice but to put in 5th year defensive back Justin Tryon. If the Giants do not get healthy quickly, many teams will pick them apart via passing game.

Both the Cowboys and the Giants will be back in action Sunday, September 16. The Cowboys will be on the road against the Seattle Seahawks. As for the Giants, they are hoping to bounce back next week when they welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to MetLife Stadium.

Image Courtesy of  New York Giants

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