Jan. 30, 2008

Chicago, Ill.- UIC head men's soccer coach John Trask and the legendary Merri Dee of WGN will be honored at the first-ever Red Carpet Poetry Slam! to benefit America SCORES this Thursday at the Ballroom of the School of the Art Institute.

The event kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at the Ballroom on 112 S. Michigan Avenue. Tickets to the event or the Pre-Slam V.I.P. reception can be obtained by calling 312-666-0496.

As a backdrop for honoring the community-based efforts of Trask and Dee, the Red Carpet Poetry Slam! will showcase original works of spoken word poetry by six budding poet-athletes and a special presentation by Chalmers Specialty School of the North Lawndale neighborhood.

America SCORES is a non-profit organization that uses soccer to inspire physical health, literacy and character development among urban public school students. Using a combination of soccer, creative writing and service learning in an after-school program setting, America SCORES seeks to empower at-risk youth and strengthen underserved communities.

Trask has been a long-time volunteer with America SCORES, participating in SCORES clinics and events in Chicago and across the country.

The third-year manager has led the Flames to back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths in the past two seasons, including the program's first-ever Elite Eight appearance in 2007.

Dee, WGN's Director of Community Relations, is well-known for her unparalleled philanthropic work. A mainstay at WGN for more than 30 years and the leader of WGN's many public service campaigns, Dee has helped WGN-TV Children's Charities raise and donate more than 31 million dollars to children's organizations.

"SCORES seeks to create future leaders who have a positive impact on their communities and the world," said Molly Hellerman, America SCORES Chicago Executive Director. "We can think of no greater role models than Merri and John, and we eagerly anticipate to honor them at the Red Carpet Poetry Slam!"

For more information about America SCORES, visit www.AmericaScores.org.