Boston, MA  January 11, 2012 – Signing on to help raise money for kids in need, platinum selling artist, singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw will join Boston Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis at the second annual Youk’s Kids Not Your Average Idol event, presented by New Balance.  The event takes place on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the State Room in Boston.

Not Your Average IdolNot Your Average Idol will feature musical performances, comedy and much more, all designed to raise money to support Youk’s Kids.  The event will be hosted by Sarah Colonna and Josh Wolf of Chelsea Lately.  Other performers include AHMIR, one of the most popular R&B groups on YouTube, former American Idol contestant Ayla Brown, comedian Tony V,and Boston recording artist Will Dailey.

In addition to the performances, the event will feature a silent and live auction as well as food tastings from many of Boston’s top restaurants, including Bin 26, Bina Osteria, Blue Ginger, Bokx 109, Davio’s, Eastern Standard, The Fireplace, Island Creek Oysters, Lala Rokh, Not Your Average Joe’s, Samba Steak and Sushi, Starbucks, Sweet and Upstairs on the Square.  U.S. Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown are the honorary co-chairs of the event.  Tickets for the event are $250.00 and $500.00 and can be purchased online at www.youkskids.org or by calling 617-964-9685 (YOUK).

Youk’s Kids is a nonprofit organization founded by Kevin Youkilis.  The organization aims to create a community of support, increase awareness, and advocate for the health and well-being of children in need.  The organization supports Josh Cares, a surrogacy program for critically-ill children in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, at-risk youth at the Italian Home for Children in Jamaica Plain, MA; and most recently a new program called Athletes for Heroes that provides grants to the minor children of fallen or severely disabled men and women of service so that they might participate in team and academic enrichment activities.

“As a professional athlete, I have the opportunity to give back and make a difference for kids who are facing significant challenges in life.  That’s what Youk’s Kids is all about,” said Kevin Youkilis.  “I’m thrilled that Gavin DeGraw and all the performers are coming together to help us raise the funds needed to help these kids.  It’s going to be a great night at the State Room on January 26.”

In addition to New Balance, the 2nd annual Not Your Average Idol event is sponsored by American Airlines, Above All Transportation, Barefoot Wine, Harpoon Brewery, Hotel Commonwealth, KPMG, Mohegan Sun, Polar Beverages, the Red Sox Foundation, Spectrum Marketing, Sun Trust, System’s Evolution and Liberty Bay Credit Union.

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