Bishop T.D. Jakes Selected to Name CNN Heroes

Bishop T.D. Jakes Selected to Name CNN Heroes

Participation on Blue Ribbon Panel Inspires Renowned Pastor to Provide Action Steps for Becoming a Hometown Hero

DALLAS, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Bishop T. D. Jakes is one of 15 world notables selected to serve on CNN's Blue Ribbon Panel to name the winners of CNN Heroes, an accolade which recognizes six individuals throughout the globe for their exceptional humanitarian accomplishments. The live global telecast, "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute," hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper and Christiane Amanpour at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, N.Y, will broadcast globally on CNN/U.S., CNN International and CNN en Espanol at 9 p.m. ET Thursday, December 6.

"I am pleased to serve on CNN's Blue Ribbon Panel," said Bishop Jakes. "It is a privilege and an honor that I have been granted the opportunity to help select these Heroes who are making strides toward bettering the lives of others around the world."

As the only spiritual leader on CNN's Blue Ribbon Panel, Bishop Jakes brings a unique perspective to the proceedings. Through his broad-based humanitarian perspective, Bishop Jakes can provide a behind-the-scenes look at this global news event, and offer five action steps everyone can take to become a hero in one's own community. Interview and Photo Opportunities with Bishop Jakes are Available.

Become a Hometown Hero in Five Easy Steps

While the CNN Heroes are being recognized in categories ranging from law and medicine to child advocacy and the environment, all share a commitment to bettering the world in which they live and a passion to involve others. Based upon their example and his own devotion to charity, Bishop Jakes developed a five-point charity involvement plan families can adopt this holiday season:

1. Select a Cause with Personal Meaning ... Whether it's education or
family, commit yourself to a platform that matters and, in doing so,
you will be more likely to sustain that commitment over time
2. Tell a Friend ... Once you've selected a charity, tell your friends,
family members and co-workers. Spreading the word raises awareness,
which is the precursor to action. By telling 10 loved ones - and
asking them to tell 10 others - you become the epicenter of your own
charitable movement
3. Give of Your Time ... Devoting as little as one hour of your time can
make a difference to a charitable organization. Roll up your shirt
sleeve to stuff envelopes, teach children to read, prepare meals or
clean a city park. Remember, your time is a valuable commodity
4. Make a Financial Contribution ... Monetary donations are another
method of giving and donations to 501(C)3 organizations are tax-
deductible. Extend the dollar amount by investigating group-giving
options via your employer, church or membership organization
5. Plan Ahead ... While the holidays are an ideal time to focus on giving
to others, charitable involvement is always in season. Use family get-
togethers to plot charitable activities for the year ahead

"Through these five action steps, families everywhere can follow the positive example of the CNN Heroes and make a lasting difference in their communities," said Bishop Jakes. "Families can reposition what it means to give and incorporate charitable activities into their holiday traditions."

CNN Heroes

Bishop Jakes shares the CNN panel with many well-known philanthropists, including cancer survivor and advocate Lance Armstrong, children's advocate Marian Wright Edelman, philanthropist and Houston Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo and Nobel Peace Prize- winner Muhammad Yunus. Together, they will select six winners from 18 finalists whose work varies from providing medical services and food to children in third-world countries, to those who help preserve the environment in the United States and abroad.

Noted for his national and international humanitarian work, which ranges from building water wells in Kenya to promoting education and HIV/AIDS awareness, Bishop Jakes is honored that he has a hand in selecting individuals who are making a difference in the world.

About Bishop T.D. Jakes

Thomas Dexter (T.D.) Jakes heads the world-renowned, multiracial non- denominational church The Potter's House in Dallas, which has recently been called "one of America's fastest-growing mega churches" with 50-plus active outreach ministries, more than 30,000 members and a full-time staff of 300.

In addition to his ministerial duties, Bishop Jakes is a business visionary and entrepreneurial trailblazer, establishing T.D. Jakes Enterprises LLP, which produces books, movies, music, web services and conferences that reach out to mainstream audiences with practical expressions of God's grace and love. Bishop Jakes has published more than 30 books, many of which have appeared on best-seller lists, including The New York Times. His most recent book, "Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits" encourages readers to be the very best stewards of all the gifts, talents and opportunities entrusted to them.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Potter's House

CONTACT: Dana Slagle of The Potter's House, +1-214-623-4046, or Shareese
Thompson of UniWorld Group Inc., +1-917-627-0867, for The Potter's House

-------
Profile: intent