Buena Park, CA (July 1, 2008) – U.S aid agency Islamic Relief, is celebrating 15 years of alleviating poverty around the world with the exciting return of the nationwide benefit concert for children, the 3rd Annual Evening of Inspiration.

The tour is scheduled to stop in New York, Dallas, San Jose, and Orange County.

The “Evening of Inspiration” concert tour has evolved into the most popular and prestigious event for thousands of Muslims in the U.S., taking Islamic entertainment to a new level of quality, production, and prestige with performances in a number of premium venues across the United States.

Last year the tour raised over $1 million to help children’s projects and provide relief to the victims of humanitarian crises worldwide. This year’s event is expected to be an exceptional evening as Islamic Relief celebrates 15 years of alleviating poverty around the world.

Islamic Relief was incorporated in the United States in 1993 and has grown immensely over the past 15 years. Starting with a few thousand dollars in 1993, Islamic Relief has grown to raising more than $61 million in 2007 for different projects around the world. Islamic Relief now runs over 360 projects in more than 35 countries worldwide.

This year’s tour will feature world-renowned south-African singer Zain Bhikha, R&B sensation seven8six from Michigan, and Muslim comedian of online-fame, Baba Ali.

For more on artists’ biographies, venue details and ticket information, visit www.irw.org/inspiration.  

The Evening of Inspiration concert tour will benefit countless numbers of needy children around the world with healthcare, education, food and nutrition, water and sanitation, orphan sponsorships, shelter, psycho-social support, and much more.

This year’s tour will stop in four cities across the United States starting in Jamaica, NY on July 19, then moving to Dallas, TX on July 20; San Jose, CA on July 26; and finishing in Orange County, CA on July 27.

Media professionals may contact Islamic Relief for artist interviews and tour information.

WHAT:
3rd Annual Evening of Inspiration Benefit Concert.

WHEN:
July 19-27, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mostafa Mahboob
mostafa@irw.org
(714) 676-1305 office
(310) 351-0952 mobile

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* *Notes for media professionals* *

Islamic Relief USA, based in Buena Park, California, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization, incorporated in the state of California in 1993. As an international relief and development organization, Islamic Relief strives to alleviate the poverty and suffering of the world's poorest people. Since its establishment, Islamic Relief has expanded greatly, with permanent locations in more than 35 countries worldwide.

For five years in a row, Islamic Relief USA has been recognized as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator, its highest rating. Charity Navigator is America's largest charity evaluator. For more information, please call us or visit our Website, www.irw.org.