Mint Condition creates “Unsung” video contest to benefit charity

MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL, MINN. – May 11, 2012 – GiveMN, a Minnesota nonprofit that enables individuals to donate to thousands of nonprofits online at www.GiveMN.org, is partnering with Minnesota R&B band Mint Condition and their record label Shanachie Entertainment to sponsor the “Unsung” video contest. Individuals are invited to visit www.shanachie.com to download Mint Condition’s inspirational song “Unsung” for exclusive use in creating a video to honor their own unsung hero—be it a mother, father, friend or mentor.

The song “Unsung” was written by Mint Condition Keyboardist Lawrence Waddell in honor of his own unsung hero—his foster mother.

“My mother shaped my life in an incredible way and I will always be grateful to her for what’s she’s done,” Lawrence said. “This song is for all the unsung heroes out there like my mom.”

“The nonprofit world is full of unsung heroes, everyday people who are making a difference against difficult odds,” GiveMN Executive Director Dana Nelson said. “We’re delighted to join forces with one of Minnesota’s most talented bands, Mint Condition, and their label, Shanachie Entertainment, to shine a light on those unsung heroes through a video contest.”

The video contest entry period opens Friday, May 11 and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 11. The winning video will be chosen by band members Stokley Williams, Ricky Kinchen, Homer O’Dell, Lawrence Waddell, and Jeff Allen. The winner will be announced on June 25. Videos should be uploaded to a video sharing site such as YouTube.com or Vimeo.com, and then the link can be emailed to [email protected] no later than 11:59 p.m. on June 11.

Prizes

The producer of the winning video will receive a $1,000 Giving Card courtesy of GiveMN. The producer of the winning video will receive a $1,000 Giving Card courtesy of GiveMN which the recipient can use to direct a $1,000 donation to any one of the nearly one million U.S.-based nonprofit organizations listed on GiveMN.org and a $500 cash prize courtesy of Shanachie Entertainment. Mint Condition is also providing an autographed guitar to the video producer who’s video receives the most online views—a “People’s Choice” award. The guitar is provided courtesy of Guitar Center. Both winners will also receive a “grab bag” of artist merchandise from Mint Condition and Shanachie Entertainment. For complete contest details, visit www.shanachie.com.