Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes & Carrie Underwood Help Make Country Cares Holiday Benefit Concert A Huge Success

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (Chrysler Financial/ www.chryslerfinancial.com) - Despite the bitter cold and snow, three of country music's top performers soldiered on in Michigan determined to bring plenty of warmth and excitement to fans with great music for a great cause. Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood joined forces to light up the stage at Chrysler Financial's Country Cares holiday concert. The performances took place at The Palace of Auburn Hills in front of 10,000 fans and raised $500,000 in ticket sales for Habitat or Humanity.

All net proceeds from Detroit area concert goers went to benefit Habitat for Humanity as they help those specifically affected in the Gulf Coast communities damaged by recent hurricanes. Money raised by last week's concert will fund multiple homes for evacuees including those who have settled in Southeast Michigan.

"Although the concert was a uniquely entertaining event, it was also about all of us coming together to make a difference and helping those less fortunate," stated William F. Jones Jr., Vice President - Chrysler Financial. "Chrysler Financial is proud to be a partner with Habitat for Humanity to create a sustainable solution for ending substandard housing both locally and around the world."

Before taking the stage, the ladies joined Jones and Steven Campbell, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, to take part in a special presentation and to meet with fans. Habitat for Humanity coordinators recognized McBride, Rimes, Underwood and Jones by acknowledging their efforts with engraved hammers representing the hard work and dedication that went into creating this unique benefit event.

"Habitat for Humanity is proud to be involved with performers like Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood, who have the opportunity to be an inspiration to millions, and give of themselves to do so," said Campbell.

A highlight of the evening was a special presentation to one of Habitat for Humanity's partner families. A partner family is Habitat's term for the family that will help build their own home, and then purchase it at cost, with a zero percent interest rate loan, to make it affordable. Celestine Torres and her family are rebuilding their lives after Katrina destroyed their New Orleans home. After receiving the keys, Torres and her family were presented with the front porch railing for their new home autographed by each of the artists.