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Winner of “The Apprentice 2” Kelly Perdew Speaks Out As an Advocate of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program Before the House and Senate

WASHINGTON, DC - March 3, 2005– Kelly Perdew, winner of “The Apprentice 2” and Owner’s Representative with The Trump Organization addressed both the United States House of Representatives and Senate on behalf of more than 5,000 at-risk youth who have joined the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program (NGYCP), along with former NBA star and current host of “The Best Damn Sports Show Period,” John Salley on Wednesday, March 2nd 2005.

Students from program sites across the country came to Washington, DC to meet with Members of Congress and share their stories of success and second chances. They were joined by Kelly Perdew and Salley in highlighting the NGYCP, one of the most successful, cost-effective programs of its kind.

“I feel that programs like this are not just a good idea, but a necessity for the future of the youth of America,” said Kelly Perdew. “By reaching out to these at-risk students and instilling in them responsibility, drive and mentorship the NGCP ensures that the next generation will have a lot to contribute.”

The event included a breakfast with Members of the House of Representatives (8 a.m. in Room B-339 of the Rayburn House Office Building) and lunch with Members of the Senate (12 p.m. in Room G-50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building). NGYCP directors from throughout the country were in attendance, as well as Lieutenant General H. Steven Blum, Chief of the National Guard Bureau and Lieutenant General John Conaway, former Chief of the National Guard Bureau and Chairman of the National Guard Youth Foundation Board of Directors.

Members of Congress in attendence include Senator Mary Landrieu, Representative Joe Wilson, Representative Richard Baker, and others.

Students representing the current class of NGYCP youth will traveled from 29 program sites across the country to meet with the Members of Congress from their respective states.

You can find out more about Kelly Perdew at www.kellyperdew.com and about the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program at www.nygycp.org.

About Kelly Perdew
Kelly Perdew is best known as the winner of NBC’s The Apprentice II, Donald Trump’s popular reality television show. Since winning and becoming “The Apprentice,” Kelly has been assigned to two high profile real estate projects for the Trump Organization. Kelly will oversee construction and redevelopment of a Westside apartment complex in Manhattan, and additionally Trump Towers Tampa. Prior to winning ‘The Apprentice’ Kelly held multiple Chairman and CEO positions, however recently Kelly has moved into advisory and Board of Director positions with his other business ventures, Motorpride.com and CoreObjects Software.

About the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program:
The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is a 17-month, voluntary program for high school drop-outs between the ages of 16 and 18 with 29 sites throughout the country. Program participants are offered the opportunity to enhance their life skills, earn their GED and go on to higher education, improve their employment potential and broaden their chance at success.

About the National Guard Youth Foundation:
The National Guard Youth Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed to support the work of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program through public awareness, scholarships, higher education assistance, mentoring and job development programs for graduates. The Foundation is also working to expand the number of states and sites per state to accommodate growing demand for the program. The Chairman is General John Conaway, former Chief of the National Guard Bureau. The Honorary Board of Directors is co-chaired by Former President George H. W. Bush and former Senator Max Cleland.

Media Inquiries for Kelly Perdew can be directed to:

Brian McWilliams
LCO – Levine Communications Office
310-300-0950 x236
bmcwilliams@LCOonline.com

Media Inquiries for the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program can be directed to:

Talia Bargill
Susan Davis International
202-414-0778
tbargil@susandavis.com

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