KEM tapped as spokesperson for "The Heat and Warmth" (THAW) Fund

DETROIT - Grammy nominated artist and Detroit native KEM has been named spokesperson for The Heat & Warmth Fund (THAW), an independent non-profit (501(c)(3) agency that provides emergency energy assistance to Michigan residents in need and advocates for long-term energy solutions. KEM was introduced as THAW’s spokesperson today by Susan Sherer, CEO of THAW at the Week of Warmth press conference in Detroit. In his role as spokesperson, KEM launched THAW’s “Text to Give” campaign at the press conference.

The “Text to Give” campaign allows THAW supporters to text the word “THAW” to 50555 to make a one-time $10 donation. The charge will be applied to the phone bill. The funds will be used by THAW to provide emergency energy assistance throughout the winter season to low-income individuals and families throughout Michigan.

“It's a privilege to be working with THAW this year,” said KEM. “Needless to say, there are a lot of people struggling in our community these days, even more so as the weather begins to change. I take pride in being a part of an organization that assists families and individuals in meeting their utility needs during the winter months. The ‘Text to Give’ campaign is an easy way for all of us to help THAW continue to make a difference.”

KEM, who battled addiction and homelessness, is a vocal advocate for the homeless and people in need, and is dedicated to bringing attention to THAW, the issue of energy assistance and engaging support from the community. He plans to take part in several upcoming THAW events such as Week of Warmth, PSAs, and the annual WWJ Winter Survival Radiothon in January, which benefits THAW. KEM will also take to social media to encourage support for THAW through education and fundraising to his tens of thousands of fans.

“We are very fortunate to have a dedicated advocate such as KEM to help support and promote THAW’s mission on behalf of the people we serve,” said Sherer. “The Text to Give campaign is so simple yet so vital to help THAW serve more people in need at this critical time.”

This year, THAW’s budget was drastically reduced due to state and federal funding cuts to energy assistance programs and the organization is working diligently towards short and long term strategies to support those they serve. The “Text to Give” campaign is one part of THAW’s overall fundraising efforts to help make up for part of the budget shortfall this year.

About KEM
Motown Recording Artist KEM recently headlined his sold-out national ‘Intimacy Tour’ with Special Guests Musiq Soulchild & Ledisi. His latest CD, INTIMACY, debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums list in August 2010. INTIMACY garnered national acclaim, including two Grammy award nominations, a Soul Train award nomination and a BET Centric Award nomination. In February of 2001, KEM independently released his first CD, KEMISTRY, sold nearly 15,000 CD’s, piquing the interest of Universal Motown. The label signed KEM to a five-record deal in November 2001 and re-released KEMISTRY. KEM previewed music from his second release, KEM ALBUM II, for audiences on a 20-city underground tour, after which the CD was certified gold after just two weeks of release in May 2005. Combined, KEM’s three albums have sold in excess of 2.2 million units. KEM is currently shooting scenes for his big-screen acting debut in the movie, “SPARKLE.” Additional information, including show dates and recent news is available at www.MusicByKEM.com.

About The Heat And Warmth Fund
The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW), is an independent non-profit (501(c)(3) agency that provides emergency energy assistance to Michigan residents in need and advocates for long-term energy solutions. THAW was established in 1985 in order to improve the quality of life in Michigan and prevent human suffering by helping low-income individual s facing an energy crisis. To learn more about THAW, to inquire about assistance, or to make a donation, visit www.thawfund.org or call 1-800-866-8429.