Springfield stop of nationwide Respect Tour sponsored by Evangel SIFE/PBL and alumna Julie Higgins

January 22, 2010
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292

Springfield, Mo. — Evangel University SIFE/PBL has partnered with Evangel alumna Julie Higgins to bring the Respect Tour to Springfield, Mo.

Featuring Disney Channel star Alyson Stoner and contemporary Christian artist Jonny Diaz, the event takes place at 7 p.m., Feb. 6, 2010, at the Gillioz Theatre in downtown Springfield.

Also on the program will be counselor and health professional Dr. Juliet Caceres and entrepreneur and organizer Julie Higgins.

The Respect Tour was organized to encourage and motivate young women, ages 13 and up. Topics to be covered include advancement through education, healthy lifestyles, and healthy, respectful relationships and life principles.

General admission tickets are $22.50; student tickets are$18; and groups of 10 or more can receive a discount rate of $18. Tickets can be purchased online, at Christians Publisher Outlet, Up Town Angels, or at the door. One-half of the ticket’s price will be donated and divided among three nonprofit organizations: Care to Learn Fund, Kids Against Hunger, and the Los Angeles Refugee Camp of Santa Ana, El Salvador.

“The evening will send several messages — purity, abstinence, forgiveness, redemption, strength for the future, giving back, perseverance, standing for respect for myself and others,” said Higgins. “I truly believe we have an opportunity to raise up young, strong female girls who will become leaders for our community and country,” Higgins said.

For additional information, go to www.ipourlife.com or contact Julie Higgins 417-849-7451.

About the featured artists

Alyson Stoner: Alyson Stoner, a Disney actress recently seen in the movie Camp Rock 1 and 2, will be performing and speaking on the topic of respect for your mind, body and soul. According to tvteen blog, she is one of the top 10 teen celebrities to watch in 2010. The multitalented performer began her career as an actor for the Disney Channel, appearing in popular shows such as The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and doing the voiceover on Phineas and Ferb. She has starred in hit Hollywood movies such as Cheaper by the Dozen 1 and 2 and Step Up. She has also worked with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars such as Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers, and Will Smith. For more information, visit www.alysonstoner.com.

Jonny Diaz: Contemporary Christian artist Jonny Diaz will perform and speak on respect in relationships. Breaking into the charts in 2003, Diaz’s song “More Beautiful You” is currently #1 on the Christian Billboard Charts. For more information, visit www.jonnydiaz.com.

Dr. Juliet Caceres: Professional counselor Dr. Juliet Caceres, specialist in women’s psychology from Meier Clinics in Chicago, will give strategies for laying a foundation of respect. In the second half of the event, Dr. Caceres will interact with the audience by answering text messages sent in during the night. A 1985 graduate of Evangel, Dr. Caceres earned her Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Wheaton College.

Julie Higgins: Julie Higgins, the organizer and driving force behind the Respect Tour, will end the evening with an encouraging and motivational message. A successful entrepreneur and owner of Ipourlife, she has been recognized nationally for her accomplishments in business. Higgins is a 1985 Evangel graduate.