The Associated Press, Ladies Home Journal online, US Weekly online, CNN online and More Pick Up on Efforts

Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 14, 2011 – “One Last Christmas,” the emotional song from Matthew West derived from the story of young Leukemia patient Dax Locke, has helped to raise over $205,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in only one month. Funds were given through purchasing the song and music video, donating on www.matthewwest.com and through a benefit concert held on December 30 in the Locke’s hometown. The $205,000 will support the Locke Family’s effort to fund the hospital for one day in Dax’s honor which costs an estimated $1.6 million.
 
The benefit concert held in Washington, IL sold out in only 24 hours, and took place on the one-year anniversary of Dax’s death. In addition to ticket sales, donations of over $12,000 were collected at the show where the Locke family was in attendance.
 
“Matthew’s concert was better than anything I could have imagined,” explains Julie Locke, Dax’s mother. “It was the one year anniversary of my sweet baby Dax's passing and the most special tribute to him. We are forever grateful!”
 
Ladies Home Journal online, US Weekly online, CNN Online, AOL’s TheBoot.com and more covered the story and powerful music video. The Associated Press also included the piece in their holiday coverage which was picked up by ABC News, CBS News, NPR and more. To see the original music video for “One Last Christmas” or donate to the cause, visit www.matthewwest.com.
 
After a successful fall run, West's "The Story of Your Life" tour will launch a spring leg with opener Josh Wilson. Stay tuned to www.matthewwest.com for the most up to date tour information.
 
West will join The Oak Ridge Boys and Melinda Doolittle this weekend as he performs “Only Grace” at the Tennessee Governor’s Inaugural Prayer Service. The event will be held at The Ryman this Saturday, January 15 to welcome the newly elected Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.