(this was in taylor's AI forum... the source was not credited).  google news might have it.

Taylor Hicks Fans Pay It Forward
July 30, 2006
Sherry Lipp

Taylor Hicks inspired a lot of people to pick up their phones and make him the next American Idol, but that is not all he inspired them to do. He also inspired five people from three different states to join together and form Project: Heart and Soul, an event to raise money for the non-profit organization Studio By The Tracks. The team has put in more than 1200 hours over the past five weeks for their endeavor.

Studio By The Tracks, based in Irondale, Alabama, is a non-profit organization formed in 1989, which provides free art classes to “special needs adults and emotionally conflicted children.” Over 1000 young people have participated in the program and many credit the program as the catalyst for their success after leaving.

Studio By The Tracks also provides classes for adults and teenagers with autism. Many of the students have been able to sell the artwork they make in the program. The program assists “their determination for creative growth and self-sufficiency.”

Cathy, the creator and project manager for Project Heart and Soul says Studio By The Tracks was chosen because it was a hometown charity Taylor had mentioned supporting. There was also an autism and art connection to two of the projects team members.

“We wanted to do something for him to give back for the gift he gave us through his music,” Cathy says. Cathy knew there was something special about Taylor from the moment he walked into his audition. As soon as he began to sing Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Going to Come,” Cathy told her husband Hicks would be the next American Idol. She said it was his smile, attitude and genuineness that made her first take notice, and then she heard his voice. “The voice is special,” she says. “Following his AI journey has really brought me a lot of respect for the young man and his music. I love his spirit, his gentleness and kindness, his drive and determination. He has really given us the music we have longed to hear again.”

Cathy was inspired to start the project after an episode of American Idol where Katharine McPhee mentioned fans filling her dressing room with roses. Interested in doing something for Taylor, Cathy posed the question on the Official Soul Patrol message boards, at first suggesting fans fill his room with purple roses. Soon other suggestions of material items came in, until Cathy hit upon the idea of sending a donation to one of Taylor’s hometown charities.

It didn’t take long to get all the team members on board. Stacy, the project designer from Mobile, AL, was first. Soon came Marcia from Monroe, Oh, who is in charge of national public relations, and Chris from Taylor’s hometown of Hoover is in charge of local public relations. Last, but certainly not least, is Charlie from Birmingham, AL who enthusiastically does a little of everything. Cathy, the project manager, is based out of Knoxville, TN.

In addition to taking donations online, the project has received a lot of support from local businesses who have become participating donation locations and have provided a place for several Project: Heart and Soul rallies.

The project has several events including a show with Taylor’s band Little Memphis Blues Orchestra at the Flora-Bama in Pensacola, which took place on July 16th. There are several rallies leading up to the culmination of the project on August 8th. The biggest is the sold out pre-concert party with Little Memphis Blues Orchestra and some special guests at The Workplay in Birmingham on August 7th. The party will raise funds and serve as a celebration of Taylor’s homecoming when the American Idol tour hits Birmingham on August 8th.

As well as raising money for Studio By The Tracks, Project: Heart and Soul is putting together a gift basket for Taylor, made up of items sent in from around the world by his fans. They are also creating a video montage made up of photos of Soul Patrollers, to be given to Taylor. Project: Heart and Soul plans to present the check to Studio By The Tracks when Taylor, who has given his stamp of approval on the project, is in town on August 8th.

Aw.. That's great. I'm glad that Taylor was able to foster some great ideas. AWESOME!