Award-winning artist and philanthropist John Legend will discuss his philanthropic work and perform some of his music at Hopelink’s annual “Reaching Out” benefit luncheon Monday, October 18.

The luncheon will be held from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

The luncheon, Hopelink’s 15th annual, hopes to raise more than $1 million to allow the organization, one of the largest community services agencies in the Pacific Northwest, to continue serving low-income and homeless families, seniors and people with disabilities in east and north King County.

There is no charge to attend the luncheon, but during the program guests will be asked to make a donation in support of Hopelink’s services. The suggested minimum donation per person is $150. Corporate sponsors, such as presenting sponsor Comcast, are significant contributors to the event.

Legend, a winner of six Grammys with more than five million album sales, has been hailed as one of the most compelling and important singer/songwriters of his generation, often called an “elegant ambassador of soul.” But it is his philanthropic efforts that are inspiring the humanitarian community to rally around Legend and his fight against the causes and effects of poverty at home and abroad.

Legend will speak about the importance of community engagement and personal philanthropy to change the future, and will instill inspiration through a musical performance.

Legend began playing piano at age 4 and at seven began singing with his church choir in his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. While a student at the University of Pennsylvania he led a co-ed jazz and pop a cappella group.

After graduation he cut his own demo and sent it to different record labels. Recording artist Kanye West signed Legend to his label. Today Legend is known as an influential singer-songwriter-pianist-performer.

Legend has made his mark on the world through a number of humanitarian endeavors including the Hope for Haiti Telethon, Hurricane Katrina relief and fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Luncheon co-chairs are Jody Cunningham, Felicia Guity, Alice Harris, Marianne Mowat, Wendy Norman, Heija Nunn, Terri Olson-Miller, Hwa Park, and Ally Svenson.

For more information on Hopelink and its services, call 425.869.6000 or visit www.hope-link.org.