SALUTE, INC. Annual Fundraiser to Feature Motivational Speaker Bryan Anderson and Singer Lee Dewyze

SALUTE, INC. the Palatine-based nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the financial, physical and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans and their families, has announced plans for their annual fundraiser.

"An American Hero and An American Idol" will take place Saturday, Feb. 29, at Meridian Banquets and Conference Center in Rolling Meadows. The gathering of friends and supporters will feature a keynote address by U.S. Army veteran and triple-amputee Bryan Anderson and a live performance by singer Lee DeWyze. Both Anderson and DeWyze grew up in the Chicago suburbs and have supported SALUTE efforts in the past.

"We are thrilled to have these two amazing men be a part of SALUTE's biggest event of the year," said SALUTE, INC. Executive Director Mary Beth Beiersdorf. "We know it will be an unforgettable evening filled with hope and inspiring stories that raise awareness of the important work Salute, Inc. is doing across the country."

Beiersdorf urged those interested to reserve a spot quickly by visiting SALUTE's website (www.saluteinc.org) as demand is likely to exceed the number of tickets available.

Anderson served two tours of duty in Iraq and in October 2005, was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that resulted in the loss of both legs and his left hand. As a result of his injuries, he was awarded a Purple Heart. He is one of the few triple amputees to have survived his injuries in Iraq. Anderson is the national spokesman for Quantum Rehab, a division of Pride Mobility Corporation, and travels the country making personal appearances while delivering his message of perseverance and determination in major rehab facilities. He is the author of No Turning Back and has been featured in numerous articles, documentaries and appeared in television and film productions.

DeWyze is best known as the winner of American Idol Season 9 in 2010. He has since released 5 albums including one which reached number one on the iTunes Folk and Singer/Songwriter chart, and another which hit number one on the Alternative chart. His song "Blackbird Song" was featured in the show "The Walking Dead" and has accumulated more than 20 million YouTube views and 10 million streams.

Since its inception, SALUTE has assisted over 12,300 military service men and women and their families, providing nearly $4.5 million in temporary assistance. The annual fundraiser is critical to the organizations' success.

"We rely on and genuinely appreciate the support of our donors and with 'An American Hero and An American Idol' we hope to not only raise critical funds but share an uplifting evening and say thank you to all who allow us to serve military families in need."

Information and tickets for the SALUTE fundraiser can be found at http://bit.ly/35s5xVY.