HOUSTON (September 19, 2011) – HoustonWorks USA will get the star treatment as native Houstonian Jackson Hurst serves as a celebrity presenter at the 2011 HoustonWorks USA Biennial Black-tie Celebrity Gala. The gala, benefiting the agency’s workforce development and human services programs, will be on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at the Hilton Americas and closes the HoustonWorks USA Putting Houstonians Back to Work weekend.
“Houston will definitely be getting a touch of Hollywood as Jackson Hurst joins us for the 2011 HoustonWorks USA Biennial Black-tie Celebrity Gala,” Larry Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA, said. “Jackson is an example how Houstonians never forget their roots and are proud to share their talent and success with their neighbors.”
Hurst, a Klein native and Baylor University alumnus, started his career at Citigroup in Dallas before turning his sights to Austin and eventually Los Angeles to continue his acting career. Currently, he plays Grayson Kent, a hotshot attorney on the Lifetime series “Drop Dead Diva” alongside Brooke Elliott and Margaret Cho. Hurst’s film credits include: “Cleaner” with Samuel L. Jackson, Ed Harris and Eva Mendes, “The Mist” starring Marcia Gay Harden, and “Have Dreams, Will Travel” with Lara Flynn Boyle. “Bird of the Air,” his first leading role, will be released this month.
“I’m thrilled to be heading home to Houston and getting to participate with HoustonWorks USA as they honor community and business leaders who are providing solutions during today’s economic uncertainty,” Hurst said. “Putting Houstonians Back to Work is a great opportunity for all residents to do their part for those in need.”
“Jackson is a natural fit for HoustonWorks USA,” Amanda Jernigan, HoustonWorks USA board member and gala board host, said. “He characterizes himself as a ‘professional pretender’ on his Twitter account, supporting young people to pretend, envision and accomplish their goals and dreams.”
At the 2011 HoustonWorks USA Biennial Black-tie Celebrity Gala, more than 800 guests will gather to honor elected officials, community and industry leaders for their commitment to strengthen the Houston/Gulf Coast community. Proceeds generated from Putting Houstonians Back to Work will benefit HoustonWorks USA employment and training opportunities for all local job seekers. Gala ticket and sponsorships are available for purchase. For more information, please visit www.houstonworks.org or call 713.654.1919.
ABOUT HOUSTONWORKS USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, and use of the resource library with internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston-Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
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