Usher

On the eve of the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall along the Mississippi and Louisiana gulf coasts, entertainment icon, mentor and humanitarian Quincy Jones and R&B Superstar Usher have joined forces with Habitat for Humanity to call attention to the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts and are imploring Americans not to forget the victims of the storm. In the coming weeks the pair will announce specific plans to promote continued relief efforts. They are sending out an initial call to action in Episodes Three and Four of the recently launched video podcast series The Quincy Jones Show distributed and marketed by industry leader Wizzard Media (available for viewing at http://www.quincyjones.com and iTunes). Quincy makes his plea in Episode Three, which debuts at 12:01 a.m. ET on Aug. 29. Usher's appeal will be featured a week later in Episode Four at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sept. 5. "Our hope is together our voices will be heard by more people," Said Quincy. "There will be more progress made to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina and to revitalize the Gulf Coast. Passion and money aren't enough. We have to be strategic and do our homework and learn more about what it takes to get the people in the worst shape back on their feet. It's about more than money. It's about the application of the money and the state of mind of a lot of spirits who have been broken. We have to figure it out step by step, more quickly to make more of a difference." Added Usher, "As Americans impacted by Hurricane Katrina still suffer from lack of housing and business revitalization, poor health and poor education, I'm proud to be partnering with an icon who helped set the standard for artists to give back, my mentor and friend Quincy Jones. Together we will continue to serve and work for the youth and families impacted by Hurricane Katrina through select initiatives. Shortly there will be an announcement of our joint effort with more details and new initiatives with local partnerships." Quincy notes Habitat for Humanity has more than 1,100 homes built or under construction on the Gulf Coast, but that more volunteer help is needed. In response to Hurricane Katrina, Usher's charity New Look launched Project Restart and to date has helped over 700 families resettle into housing through rental and utility assistance. Usher is committed to investing long- term in the rebuilding efforts of the Gulf Coast through continued housing and community support and the mobilization of volunteers.