Grammy-Nominated Producer Kevin "Khao" Cates Celebrates Success of His 501(c) (3) Bridge DA Gap with Red Carpet "Solution for Our Youth" Launch in Atlanta

Online, October 16, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Multi-platinum music producer, Kevin "Khao" Cates hosted a spectacular, inaugural event to officially launch his 501 (c) (3) program, Bridge DA (Developing Academics) Gap program in Atlanta on October 9, 2012. Arrested Development set the tone for the evening with a festive opening performance and guests enjoyed an incredible evening in support of a tremendous cause. Actress and BDG spokesperson Megan Good was scheduled to appear as the mistress of ceremonies but due to a last minute filming conflict, hosted via satellite.

In addition to dinner and live music, attendees had the opportunity to bid on exclusive memorabilia during the live and silent auctions. One of the highlights of the launch was an awards ceremony honoring individuals who embody the spirit of Bridge DA Gap through their work and actions. Honorees included, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Dr. Charles Steele, Jr. of the SCLC, Curly M. Dossman, Jr. of Georgia Pacific, Amanda Davis of Atlanta's Fox 5, Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz of Charles Schwab Family Foundation and Dr. Ed Morris. Cates also honored BDG participants who'd improved as a result of completing the program and curriculum.

Cates was joined by numerous prominent individuals and celebrities who believe in the value of Bridge DA Gap and are supportive of him in his mission. Teddy Riley, rapper CashOut and Dr. Dennis Kimbro presented the honorees with their awards. Other special guests included Tommy Dortch, Jr., David Mays, Shay Johnson and many more. But the most special guests were 100 youth from several organizations that use Bridge DA Gap's curriculum. The event culminated in fitting fashion with a live performance of a BDG presentation.

For Cates, the momentous occasion marked nearly three years of creating and pushing the curriculum throughout the United States. The multi-platinum producer walked away from a successful career in the music industry to establish Bridge DA Gap. He was motivated by his late father's oft-repeated saying, "to not just be successful, be significant". He invested nearly a million dollars of his own money and created the multi-media curriculum which includes a textbook, DVD and CD with all original corollary songs for each chapter.

"Bridge DA Gap truly came to me in a dream almost three years ago. Because of my father's words and hearing Dr. Steele speak, I was driven to make that dream a reality. I am grateful to so many people who believed in my vision and worked with me. But we've been so busy promoting it that we haven't had a chance to celebrate or share the success of our curriculum with everyone, and this launch gave us chance to do both."

Bridge DA Gap's "Solution for our Youth Launch" was sponsored in part by Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, AJ Green Sports, Charles Schwab Foundation, Charles Schwab-Atlanta, Georgia Pacific, SunTrust, The Integral Group, Association of Graduates/US Air Force Academy, Studio 144, BDG Publishing, OTG Media, Dazzle Me Parties, CHECM8 Worldwide, Mindspring.com, Gerry Kelley Marketing & Event Planning, Montgomery Foods, Chef Finley, Atlanta Promotions & Breakthroughs, Eman's Angels Marketing & Promotions, Jayda Cabbell, Kicks Kids, Play Entertainment, QTalks, World of Champs and Dukes Foundation Corporation.

About Kevin "Khao" Cates:
The Atlanta-based Grammy nominated producer has achieved success through hit records he's produced for top artists including T.I., R. Kelly, Jay-Z and Ludacris among others. After establishing a successful career in the music industry, Cates founded Bridge DA Gap.

About Bridge DA Gap:
Bridge DA (Developing Academics) Gap is a youth development movement that uses an innovative approach to reach students and teach life skills in today's socially challenged environment. Combining hip-hop and key life lessons, BDG's curriculum focuses on providing youth with the tools to address today's social problems. BDG is a recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. To learn more about Bridge DA Gap, please visit www.bridgedagap.com.