WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 29, 2007 - A project designed to provide support for victims of the 2005 hurricanes received a major boost today, as Northrop Grumman contributed $275,000 to support the effort.

The project is a collaboration of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network and Grammy-winning producer Rodney Jerkins. It involves the production of a CD-DVD featuring an all-star remake of the Sister Sledge hit, "We Are Family." Artists showcased on the title track include: Ciara, Chris Brown, Patti LaBelle, Ray J. Brian McKnight, Sister Sledge, Mary Mary, BeBe Winans, Lyfe Jennings, George Clinton, Christina Milian and Branford Marsalis. The CD-DVD will be released on February 27.

"We strongly believe in the work that the Points of Light Foundation is doing," says Sandra Evers-Manly, President of the Northrop Grumman Foundation. "This project is near and dear to our heart. Nineteen thousand Northrop Grumman employees were impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Our priority is the safety and health of the people in the Gulf. We are working to bring people back to the area and to help the people who are down on the ground. Grassroots action is mission-critical work."

Volunteer-based organizations serving those affected by the 2005 hurricanes will benefit from the proceeds of "We Are Family." With an estimated 750,000 households still displaced by the storms, the immediate and far-reaching needs of these families cannot be overlooked.

"’We Are Family’ is a response to a pressing need," says Foundation President & CEO Robert Goodwin. "Thousands of people in virtually every American community continue to require services ranging from counseling and job placement for adults to tutoring and mentoring of children".

"In the longer term, the project is also intended to kick off a year-long effort focused on strengthening families and communities through volunteer service. Americans must understand that there are opportunities to lend a hand in every community."

The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network supports the vital work of millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities nationwide. For more information about local volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-VOLUNTEER or visit www.1-800-VOLUNTEER.org.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a $30 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

For more information on the "We Are Family" project, go to www.WeAreFamily2007.com. There you can find more information about the remake of the Sister Sledge hit as well as other tracks on the CD and how you can get involved in this hurricane relief project.

Points of Light

Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org. 

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