Ruben Studdard won the second season of the reality singing competition
TRENTON -- American Idol winner Ruben Studdard is lending star power to Mayor Eric Jackson's free Christmas concert on Saturday.
Singer Ruben Studdard performs onstage during the 2015 Hollywood Christmas Parade on November 29, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Studdard, who won the second season of the reality singing competition, will join other local talent at an event the mayor hopes will promote goodwill among residents.
"It's a day of unity, a day to celebrate Christmas and the holiday season," he said. "It's a time to refocus on what makes us one people, one community."
"Christmas in the Capital City" is sponsored by Jackson's year-old foundation Moving Trenton Together. Though admission is free, donations are welcome and a portion of the money raised will benefit HomeFront.
"They're a great organization that does a plethora of work here in the capital city fighting homelessness," the mayor said.
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Last year's show drew 1,000 people and raised $2,500 for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Jackson said he hopes to raise that much or more for HomeFront. The rest of the money will go back to the foundation to help cover some of the costs of putting on the concert.
Jackson said that over the past year, Moving Trenton Together has focused its efforts on the city's youth, seniors and community engagement and has participated in backpack and turkey giveaways.
The show starts at 5 p.m. in the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.