Joining the charitable efforts emanating from Newtown to employ the performing arts as a healing mechanism in the wake of 12/14, The 12.14 Foundation announced this week the selection of platinum-selling country music singer-songwriter Scotty McCreery as its first National Goodwill Ambassador.  He will play an active role in promoting the foundation’s arts programming, supporting its fundraising efforts, and building awareness for the organization’s plans to build a world-class performing arts and education center in Newtown.

Mr McCreery, who visited with families and school children in Newtown on December 12, 2013, two days before the first anniversary of the tragedy, is internationally recognized as the winner of Season 10 of American Idol and who has since become one of the top new artists on the country music landscape.

“I’m honored to support the 12.14 Foundation, and greatly admire both the mission and work of this remarkable organization,” said McCreery.  “As a songwriter and performer, I know that music can bring hope and inspiration to those struggling to overcome great adversity.  The foundation’s vision of helping children and others heal through the performing arts really hits home for me as an entertainer.  I will do everything I can to help communities affected by tragedy to heal and gain strength through the work of the 12.14 Foundation.”

As a goodwill ambassador, McCreery will promote the foundation’s mission and fundraising efforts through personal appearances and social media. For details about his  involvement with the foundation, visit www.1214foundation.org/scotty-mccreery.

“Scotty is a terrific young man, and his support of the foundation’s work will be pivotal in raising national awareness for our arts programming and, ultimately, construction of a state-of-the-art performing arts center in Newtown,” said Dr Michael Baroody, a Newtown resident who founded the organization shortly after 12/14, when a shooter entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 20 children and six women before taking his own life as police arrived.  “Our mission is to provide healing through the arts as a way forward — not just for those affected in Newtown but for people everywhere who have endured tragedy and trauma. Scotty provides joy, hope and inspiration through music, has a genuine compassion for others, and is an excellent role-model for perseverance and achievement at a young age.”

Since his 2011 debut, Mercury Nashville/19/Interscope Records artist Scotty McCreery has become one of country music’s hottest new stars, with album sales topping 1.6 million.  He was named the winner of Season 10 of American Idol after a record-setting 122.4 million votes were cast in the show’s finale.

His platinum-selling debut album, Clear As Day, made Billboard history and helped McCreery earn Best New Artist recognition from the Academy of Country Music, American Country Awards and CMT Music Awards. On his latest album, See You Tonight, McCreery showcases his bass voice while blending contemporary and traditional country to create a sound unique to the college sophomore. He is currently crossing the US on his See You Tonight Tour.

In addition to his numerous concerts, McCreery has played for President Barack Obama, sang the national anthem at the World Series, and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The 12.14 Foundation’s long-range goal is to build a landmark, multi-purpose performing arts and education center of historical significance in Newtown as a beacon of hope and positive change for use by and to benefit people everywhere. To be designed by a team of world-class professionals, the center is intended to attract top tier performers and will incorporate advanced multi-media capabilities to extend the foundation’s reach to a worldwide audience.

Meanwhile, the foundation provides arts programming in other venues. Last summer’s production of Seussical: the Musical, presented at Newtown High School, garnered national attention and included the participation of more than 100 children from the Newtown area in collaboration with award-winning Broadway leaders such as Michael Unger, Van Dean, John Tartaglia, Jeffrey Saver and Jennifer Paulson Lee.

For more information visit www.1214foundation.org. Mobile phone users can make a $10 tax-deductible donation to 12.14 Foundation by texting CTKIDS to 80077.