The Trevor Project Announces Recipients of Its Annual Life and Hope Awards

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Trevor Project (Trevor), the non-profit organization that operates the nation's only around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth, today announced the recipients of two of its major honorary awards. Ellen DeGeneres, host of the The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which has won 21 Emmy Awards(R), and also the host of the 57th Annual Emmy Awards(R) and the 79th Annual Academy Awards(R), will receive The Trevor Life Award. Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (Clear Channel), the global media and entertainment company, will receive The Trevor Hope Award. Both awards will be presented at The Trevor Project's tenth annual Cracked Xmas event, to be held on December 2, 2007 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.

The Trevor Life Award honors an individual who, through his or her example, support, volunteerism and/or occupation, is an inspiration to gay and questioning youth. The Trevor Hope Award honors a company or organization that, through its policies, initiatives and other efforts, demonstrates a commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) causes and is a prominent, public example of corporate acceptance of individuals regardless of sexual orientation. Past recipients of The Trevor Life Award include Roseanne Barr (2006), Marc Cherry (2005), Debra Messing and Megan Mullally (2004), Rosie O'Donnell (2003) and Armistead Maupin (2002). Past recipients of The Trevor Hope Award are HBO(R) (2006), LPI Media, Inc. (2005) and Wells Fargo (2004).

"In the most real sense, Ellen DeGeneres has been with us from the beginning when she graciously agreed to provide the introduction to the first nationally televised airing of the Academy Award(R)-winning short film Trevor and we are enormously proud to honor her with The Trevor Life Award during this our tenth anniversary year," said Charles Robbins, executive director of The Trevor Project. "Her insightful, heartfelt and humorous words helped draw viewers to that initial broadcast, some of whom began calling The Trevor Helpline. Just as important, Ellen's groundbreaking career and her historic, extremely public, and truly courageous coming out process continue to inspire LGBT youth and demonstrate that their lives do have value."

"I'm truly honored to be this year's The Trevor Life Award recipient," said Ms. DeGeneres. "I've been connected to this amazing organization since it began in 1998 and I'm grateful that such an important support system exists for the many gay or questioning youth in crisis. Those of us who grew up without resources like these know how vital they are. I proudly accept this award on behalf of all the young men and women whose lives have been saved thanks to Trevor."

"Clear Channel Communications is a shining example of what it means, from a corporate perspective, to be committed to LGBT causes and it is with great pleasure that we honor this exceptional company with The Trevor Hope Award," said Mr. Robbins. "Clear Channel's support of the community is multifaceted, including its ranking as a 'best place to work' for LGBT employees by the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. Moreover, Clear Channel's support of Trevor has been unwavering and has made a meaningful difference in our ability to meet the overwhelming need of our nation's youth."

In 1998, The Trevor Project held its first annual Cracked Xmas fundraising gala in order to keep The Trevor Helpline open and available to gay and questioning youth. Now an annual event, Cracked Xmas brings together top entertainers to help raise the financial resources necessary to fund the organization's services.

About The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth. The Trevor Helpline, 866.4.U.TREVOR, is a free and confidential service that offers hope through its trained counselors. In addition to the helpline, the organization's website provides information on identifying and assisting potentially suicidal youth and "Dear Trevor", a confidential resource where youth can ask questions about sexual orientation and identity issues. The Trevor Project also provides lifesaving guidance and vital resources to educators and parents. The organization was founded by three filmmakers whose film, Trevor, about a teenager who attempts suicide after realizing that he might be gay, received the 1994 Academy Award(R) for Best Short Film (Live Action).

For more information about The Trevor Project, please visit http://www.thetrevorproject.org/. The Trevor Project is a 501 (c)(3) organization.

About Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres has taken home three Emmy Awards(R) as Outstanding Talk Show Host for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and four for Outstanding Talk Show. She began her career as a stand-up comedian and has headlined a number of award-winning specials. In 1994, she starred in her own series, Ellen, which was followed up by The Ellen Show. DeGeneres also used her distinctive voice to bring the absent-minded Dory to life in the hit animated film Finding Nemo. She is also well known for her appearances as commercial spokeswoman for American Express(R) and her hosting of the 57th Annual Emmy Awards(R) and the 79th Annual Academy Awards(R).

About Clear Channel Communications

Clear Channel Communications, Inc. is a global media and entertainment company specializing in "gone-from-home" entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company's businesses include radio, television and outdoor displays. More information is available at http://www.clearchannel.com/.