DaimlerChrysler Partners with Academy Award(R)-Nominated Actor Terrence Howard to Inspire Inner-City Youth Through the Arts

DaimlerChrysler Partners with Academy Award(R)-Nominated Actor Terrence Howard to Inspire Inner-City Youth Through the Arts

- DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Grants $38,000 to Settlement Music School in the Name of Actor Terrence - Howard Donation will benefit the nationally-recognized Kaleidoscope Pre-School Arts Enrichment Program

PHILADELPHIA, March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund announces its plan to once again join forces with Academy Award-Nominated Actor Terrence Howard to donate a $38,000 grant to Settlement Music School to help fund their Kaleidoscope Pre-School Arts Enrichment Program. Howard, a long time musician, collaborated with DaimlerChrysler -- a huge supporter of the arts and youth initiatives -- to reach youth who often miss the opportunity to study arts through inner-city school programs. The announcement was made today by Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy (Auburn Hills), Chrysler Group at Settlement Music School's 'Mary Louise Curtis Branch' in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The donation to Settlement Music School's Kaleidoscope program resulted from a 2006 charitable project where Howard and one of Chrysler Group's lead designers, Ralph Gilles, customized a 2006 Jeep(R) Commander. The proceeds of the vehicle went to fund a minority automotive design scholarship at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit. Additionally, Fountain and Howard agreed to establish another scholarship to fund an arts program in Pennsylvania, where Howard resides, to provide other opportunities to reach and encourage youth.

"This grant in the name of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and Terrence Howard reflects our commitment and understanding of how the arts empower our young people to develop and succeed despite any challenging circumstances," said Frank Fountain. "Settlement Music School, which will celebrate 100 years in 2008, has a history of enriching young minds and changing lives so DaimlerChrysler celebrates being a part of this legacy."

Settlement Music School has been a cornerstone for kids studying the arts in Pennsylvania for nearly 100 years. Specifically, its Kaleidoscope Pre- School Arts Enrichment Program is a nationally recognized model that uses the arts to prepare low-income, inner city pre-school students for academic success.

Kaleidoscope is among the 5% of early childhood programs in the United States to meet the rigorous standards for accreditation by the National Association for Education of Young Children. "My guitar is a solace and inspiration," said Howard. "Kids today need to know and appreciate music and the arts because it sparks an inner cord that can transform our children in so many ways. So, I see today as an opportunity to partner with DaimlerChrysler, Settlement Music School and the children of this great State to support a music genre that inspires our youth to greatness."

"We are delighted that DaimlerChrysler and Mr. Howard have chosen to recognize Settlement Music School's Kaleidoscope pre-school program with this generous contribution. Several studies have shown that Kaleidoscope is uniquely successful in developing school readiness skills in children and giving them an important introductory experience in music, dance and art" said Robert Capanna, Executive Director of Settlement Music School.

About Settlement Music School

Settlement Music School is the largest community school of the arts in the United States. With six locations in South, West and Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown, Jenkintown and Camden, New Jersey, the School annually serves more than 15,000 students of all abilities without regard to age, race or financial circumstances, and awards close to $2 million in financial aid each year. Settlement is dedicated to a mission of providing all children and adults with the highest quality instruction and activity in music and related arts. Additional information is available at www.smsmusic.org or by calling 215.320.2600.

About Terrence Howard

Following his Academy Award-Nominated performance in "Hustle & Flow," which also garnered Terrence Howard Golden Globe and NAACP Image Award Best Actor nominations, the National Board of Review Breakthrough Actor Award and Independent Spirit Award, Howard continued a series of successful movies in film and television including the Academy-Award-winning "Crash," the critically acclaimed HBO film "Lackawanna Blues" and the television movie "Their Eyes Were Watching God" alongside Halle Berry. Howard will next appear in "PRIDE," a film he also executive produced chronicling the achievements of Philadelphia native Jim Ellis who created a swim team for troubled teens with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation. "PRIDE" opens nationwide in theaters March 23, 2007.

About Frank Fountain

W. Frank Fountain was appointed Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Public Policy (Auburn Hills) of the Chrysler Group on January 1, 2004. Fountain is responsible for maintaining and coordinating DaimlerChrysler's interface with state and local governments across the country. Additionally, Fountain oversees Community Relations, National Education Programs, and is President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund which is the company's philanthropic organization. He serves as the President of the Fund and serves on numerous boards for professional organizations. Since joining Chrysler Corporation in 1973 as an Investment Analyst, Fountain has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility in Chrysler's Corporate Controller's Office, the Treasurer's Office and Chrysler's Government Affairs office in Washington, D.C.

About DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund

Now in its 55th year, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund is the primary source of charitable grants made by DaimlerChrysler Corporation. The Fund annually supports hundreds of charitable organizations with an emphasis on community growth and enrichment, arts and culture, education and youth development programs throughout the United States and, increasingly, the world. The Fund's Good Neighbor, Good Citizen(R) programs in 2007 include the Motown Winter Blast, Chrysler Arts Beats and Eats, the Detroit Opera House, as well as operating support for the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

Source: DaimlerChrysler Corporation

CONTACT: Kevin McCormick of DaimlerChrysler Corporation,
+1-248-512-6218, or klm15@dcx.com

Web site: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/
http://www.smsmusic.org/

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