NS2 Serves, an independent nonprofit organization that offers technology training and employment assistance to veterans. GRAMMY- winning singer-songwriter Taylor Hicks is gearing up for a concert tour to raise money for the next class of veterans in the program. The series of intimate performances will feature songs from Hicks’ American Idol playbook along with a preview of new material from his highly-anticipated album due out next year. Performing in venues across the East Coast from October 10-24, Hicks has donated a pair of tickets and meet-and-greet packages for all six shows to a silent auction that will directly benefit NS2 Serves.
Hicks became a household name after winning the fifth season of American Idol, and is known for his cover of the military tribute song “Nineteen.” While traveling across the country for album tours, Hicks met with several military families and grew passionate about helping veterans struggling to find employment.
“NS2 Serves is an incredible organization improving the lives of veterans across the country, and I’m honored to use this tour as platform to elevate its mission,” said Hicks. “We owe an insurmountable debt to our nation’s heroes, and this concert series is a chance for fans to support a program helping veterans transition from boots to suits and excel in high-tech careers.”
Since being established in 2014, NS2 Serves has provided free IT industry training to nearly 300 veterans, ultimately helping them secure jobs in high-tech careers. Supporting post-9/11 veterans from all over the country, the program has boasted a 100% graduation rate since its inception. NS2 Serves has trained and placed 315 veterans in high-tech careers, continuing its success with the next fall 2019 Leesburg class.
“We are so grateful to have Taylor Hicks champion the NS2 Serves mission of re-skilling veterans and closing the IT tech talent gap in America,” said General (Ret.) John Campbell, chairman of the NS2 Serves program. “We view our program as a promising model on how to reintegrate members of society when their existing skillsets no longer match the job market. Mr. Hicks truly shares our passion for this important issue, and we’re excited to have such a prominent public figure bringing veteran employment initiatives like ours to the center stage.”
Hicks will kick-off the concert tour on October 10 in New Hampshire, followed by shows in New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and Ohio. The bidding for concert ticket packages will start at $150, which include the opportunity to meet Hicks back stage and receive a signed harmonica. NS2 Serves also encourages those unable to attend the concerts to support the cause by placing a bid to send a veteran and their guest to a show.
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