Rapper wins $40K for UM children’s home - UMC.org

By Kathy L. Gilbert*

4:00 P.M. EST March 28, 2011

Lil Jon photo courtesy of NBC.

The big “Celebrity Apprentice” winner Sunday night wasn’t just Lil Jon – it was also children and youth at the north Georgia United Methodist Children’s Home.
The rapper and “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant won $40,000 for his first time as a project manager on the hit NBC show. His designated charity is the North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference’s United Methodist Children’s Home, located in Decatur.
The money – which will be collected on next week’s show – will go to the facility’s family-housing program to provide shelter for homeless families. “Our family-housing program does not receive any funding from the state of Georgia,” said Terence Johnson, director of programs. Currently eight families, about 30 people, need shelter.
Children and staff at the Georgia home have been glued to the television on Sunday nights since the Atlanta rapper and music producer chose them for all the money he wins on the show, which will run until May.
“Lil Jon called us last fall to see if it was OK for him to pick us as his charity,” Johnson said. “Of course, we were ecstatic. From that point on, we have been rooting for him. We are hoping he can get a chance to be a project leader again.”
Johnson said the musician spent most of a Saturday at the children’s home learning about the facility and meeting and playing with some of the children.

Lil Jon photo by Jiccasso Stylez.

"I chose the United Methodist Children’s Home as my charity because it’s a personal thing for me. My family took in some foster kids when I was young, so I know the importance. Every kid deserves a good home and the best opportunities," said Lil Jon.
The United Methodist Children’s Home was established in 1871 to care for children orphaned during the Civil War. The ministry provides services for children from birth into their early 20s, including foster care, residential and family housing, and independent and transitional living for older youth.
Johnson said the children hope to have a reception and a talent show for Lil Jon after he finishes “Celebrity Apprentice.”
In addition to the money, the staff is also thrilled about the national and local media attention that they hope will benefit the children.
“We have a great need for foster parents,” Johnson said. “If anyone is interested in being a foster parent anywhere in north Georgia, we really want them to submit applications or at least inquire so we can follow up.”
Lil Jon’s winning episode of “Celebrity Apprentice” may be viewed here.
*Gilbert is a multimedia reporter for the young adult content team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.