My introduction to the world of Special Olympics was through Bobby Shriver. I was asked to contribute to the Very Special Christmas album. What Child Is This was a perfect fit to a terrific musical idea that helped expose the Special Olympics movement to the masses.

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Mrs. Shriver on many occasions - at the world games in Japan, China, board meetings in DC and New York and I also sang for her at the Clinton White House. I even attended her 85th birthday at the Bush White House just a few years back. She was always interested in my interests, career and especially my children.

My greatest honor was portraying a mother whose son had Down's syndrome in the independent film My Brother. We had a special screening in DC that she attended with me. What an honor and what a legacy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family and the entire Special Olympics movement.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Online Memorial

Hello Friends!

With Ugly Betty Season 3 wrapping at the end of April, you would think I'd be on vacation enjoying the beach - but it's been nonstop! All good though - so many exciting things coming up... First of all, I kicked off my new show in Atlantic City to sold out audiences on May 8th and 9th. Fabulous new costumes, same killer band! It was great to get back on stage! We debuted six new songs from The Real Thing, and to rave reviews.

I got to meet several fans after the show and it seems the title track and Just Friends were audience favorites, as well as a playful "Wilhelmina" rendition of the Lena Horne classic Come On Strong.

After Saturday night's show, I rushed back home to spend Mother's Day with my children and my mom, who also enjoyed the weekend with us in Atlantic City. My right hand, Brian Edwards, and I enjoyed a long stroll down the beach and reminisced about the day 26 years ago when my life changed in a now weathered convention center. Oh, how the years go by!

Tonight I am presenting at the taping of the Logo Awards in New York City then rushing to Larry King Live, which will air 9:00 PM EST/6:00 PT. Tune in if you can! I'll be discussing the new CD, the two-hour season finale of Ugly Betty and a new campaign I'm doing called Express Success.

Be sure and check out my website vanessawilliams.com for new events being posted especially during the week of the new CD release - June 2nd. I'll be performing on Good Morning America (6/2) and The View (6/3) and also taping a special for A&E set to air later this month.

If you are in the New York area on June 2, stop by Borders at Columbus Circle. I'll be signing copies of the new CD at 7:00 PM - and also on June 3 at J&R (23 Park Row, NYC 10038) at 6:00 PM. And for all of you in L.A., come see me at Borders in Century City Mall on 6/10 at 6:00 PM. (Be sure and check my site the day of each event in case of any last minute time changes!)

On to other news, I received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for the series I did for PBS called Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies (the series was also nominated for Outstanding Pre-School Chidlren's Series). It's truly an honor to be recognized by your peers and then to also be invited to host the show! I'm very excited! I have some fun surprises in store, so be sure and tune in! The show will air live on Sunday, August 30th from the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. Check out emmyonline.tv for a list of all the nominees and additional information.

Well that's about it for now... have to rush to get ready for tonight's events. For Ugly Betty, tune in tomorrow night when I get to sing The Man That Got Away with Christine Baranski, plus play a bit of tennis and chat with the legendary Billie Jean King. You can also see me get acupuncture in my face for the first time. All for the love of Wilhelmina!

Thanks so much as always for your sweet notes and e-mails. Please drop me a line and let me know how you like the new CD. Happy Memorial Day weekend!

V.