Renowned Actress Meagan Good to Host Red Carpet “Solution for Our Youth Launch” in Atlanta on October 9th

Good, board member and spokesperson for the educational program founded by Grammy-nominated producer Kevin “Khao” Cates, will be the Mistress of Ceremony for the evening. Cates started Bridge DA Gap to address real life issues facing youth.

30321 (I-Newswire) September 10, 2012 - Actress Megan Good will host the red carpet launch of the 501 (c) (3), Bridge DA (Developing Academics) Gap program, founded by multi-platinum music producer, Kevin “Khao” Cates on October 9th at Puritan Mill in Atlanta. Attendees will enjoy a star-studded evening that includes dinner, live and silent auctions, an awards ceremony and a live BDG performance, in support of a great cause.

While Cates found success in the music industry producing hits for top artists including Jay-Z, Ludacris and T.I. he truly wanted to work to help young people achieve their goals in life. A chance meeting with Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference encouraged Cates to make his vision a reality. Despite having no formal experience or training in the non-profit sector, Cates took a two year sabbatical from producing and started Bridge DA Gap in 2010.

Cates persevered and worked full time to establish BDG, investing his own money and resources to create the program. The program’s cornerstone is a multi-media curriculum that uses hip-hop music to engage students while teaching character building traits and life skills. Central themes include self-determination, attitude, decision making and substance abuse among others.

After almost three years of laying the groundwork, the response to Bridge DA Gap has been overwhelmingly positive. Schools, universities, community organizations and educational groups are genuinely finding success with BDG. Moreover, many notable public figures are backing Cates and the BDG program, deeming it a proven model that effectively reaches youth and young adults.

Furthermore, Cates has garnered the attention of people who believe in Bridge DA Gap’s value and have joined him in his mission, including Good, Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, Dr. Ben Carson, and Tommie Dortch.

“Growing up, my dad would always say, it’s not enough to be successful, you have to be significant. Those words have always stuck with me and once I heard Dr. Steele speak, I knew that I had to seriously pursue my calling in life”, says Cates. “When I see the results of BDG and the growth of so many of the participants, I have no doubt that it was worth it. This launch is a fun way for us to celebrate the success of BDG while continuing to further our reach. It also gives us the chance to honor individuals and groups that exemplify the spirit of BDG through their lives.”

In addition to a three course dinner and live performances, the silent and live auctions will offer guests the opportunity to bid on exclusive items while supporting Bridge DA Gap. Items include signed memorabilia from President Barack Obama, Mike Tyson, U2, Kobe Bryant and many more.

Bridge DA Gap’s “Solution for our Youth” launch will take place on Tuesday, October 9th at Puritan Mill in Atlanta from 6PM-9PM. Tickets can be purchased at http://bridgedagap-estw.eventbrite.com/. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available, for more information please contact Micki Esposito at 404-735-1727.

For all media inquiries please contact Andrea Williams at 704-258-5663.

Bridge DA Gap’s “Solution for our Youth Launch” is sponsored in part by Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley.

About Bridge DA Gap:
Bridge DA (Developing Academics) Gap is a youth development movement that uses an innovative approach to reach students and teach life skills in today’s socially challenged environment. Combining hip-hop and key life lessons, BDG’s curriculum focuses on providing youth with the tools to address today’s social problems. BDG is a recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. To learn more about Bridge DA Gap, please visit www.bridgedagap.com.

About Kevin “Khao” Cates:
The Atlanta-based Grammy nominated producer has achieved success through hit records he’s produced for top artists including T.I., R. Kelly, Jay-Z and Ludacris among others. After establishing a successful career in the music industry, Cates founded Bridge DA Gap.

About Meagan Good:
NAACP Image Award winner Meagan Good has become one of Hollywood's most sought after actresses. Good recently starred in the box office blockbuster Think Like a Man. Good is Bridge DA Gap’s spokesperson and a member of the board, she also stars in the curriculum’s DVDs. In addition to acting in front of the camera, Meagan produces her own independent films, sings, and is active in numerous charitable organizations.