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American Idol (TV) Lee DeWyze recently held a press conference in Chicago to announce his support for Feeding America's Hunger Action Month. Hunger Action Month takes place each September and involves a multi-faceted effort to encourage the public to end hunger in the United States.
"I was shocked to learn that more than 49 million Americans live at risk of hunger, including 17 million children," said DeWyze. "I am so eager to help Feeding America spread the word about the extent of hunger in this country, and to help in any way I can."
Feeding America is the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, providing food and groceries to more than 37 million people annually, through a network of more than 200 food banks and 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency feeding sites.
"Our food banks are helping more people than ever before, so Feeding America is thrilled to have Lee DeWyze bring attention to the urgent issue of hunger in our nation," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America.
The Cheesecake Factory was also in attendance at the press conference and is a Lead Sponsor of Hunger Action Month. "We are equally pleased with the generous support of The Cheesecake Factory, which has contributed more than $1.2 million to our efforts in the past two years," said Escarra.
As part of the American 
Idol tour, The Cheesecake Factory set up a pop-up Idol-oke stage where concertgoers can sing for a chance to meet Lee DeWyze for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory in Hollywood. American Idol (TV) fans can also submit a performance of "Lean on Me" online from now until September 30. The Grand Prize winner will be announced on October 18. Videotaped performances can be uploaded to the "Share Your Voice" website. Pledges to Feeding America can also be made on this website. In exchange for their pledge, guests will receive a special video "thank you" featuring the ten American Idol (TV) Season 9 Finalists.
After DeWyze's announcement of his support for Hunger Action Month , he was treated to a special performance by the Children's Choir of St. James Catholic Church of Arlington Heights, Il, the school DeWyze attended as a child. During an interview after the event, he told us the performance was a definite highlight of his tour. "Having the St. James Children's Choir sing for me was just awesome. That was a high point for me" he said.
And what other moments stand out for DeWyze? "Every time I step out onto the stage," he told us. "Just to be able to get out there and sing is awesome. I love to sing music, I love to perform, I love writing music. It was something that I just knew in the back of my mind that I was going to be doing in one way or another."
DeWyze is preparing for the release of his debut CD, which is due out on November 16th. Although he said there's still a ways to go before the record is completed, he's having a great time making it. "I've gotten the chance to work with some really talented people," he said. "I'm not used to writing with people or collaborating and it's an experience I've always wanted to have. Now to be able to have that, it's interesting."
When asked if he planned to return to Chicago, DeWyze didn't hesitate to discuss his love affair with Windy City. "I'm definitely going to be back here," he said. "I'm going to spend some time with my family this week and take some time to say hi to everybody. Other than that, I'd like to live here eventually. I just love it here so much. It's really refreshing to come back."
Photos courtesty of Marabeth Kime
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