"THE 9TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS," AN ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL CELEBRATING THE JOYS OF ADOPTION, TO BE BROADCAST FRIDAY, DEC. 21

Sheryl Crow, James Blunt, Fergie, Karmina, Carole King, John Legend and Reba McEntire Perform on this Moving Holiday Special

David Krumholtz, George Lopez, Rene Russo and Other Celebrities Present Inspirational Stories About Adoption

THE 9TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, a new entertainment special to be broadcast Friday, Dec. 21 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, will include moving performances by Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow, popular vocalist James Blunt, Pop and R&B star Fergie, sister pop singers Karmina, Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriting legend Carole King, Grammy Award-winning R&B singer/songwriter John Legend and Grammy and ACM Award-winning country superstar Reba McEntire. David Krumholtz ("Numb3rs"), comedian George Lopez and Rene Russo ("Yours, Mine and Ours") are among the celebrities presenting inspirational stories about adoption.

Following the success of the past eight annual shows, this year's special continues to tell touching stories about foster care adoption to raise awareness of this important social issue. The inspirational stories of these American families are enhanced by performances from some of today's most popular performers.

The musical performances frame several pre-taped story segments which are presented by celebrities who either have their own adoption experiences or are involved with children's issues. The stories highlight many exceptional American children and families involved in this rewarding process.

�� The Thayer Family (Medford, Ore.)

Susan Thayer spent the first 11 years of her life in the grip of her abusive biological parents. "If not for the kindness of strangers, I never would have known how magnificent life can be," says Susan. At age 11, she found a loving home in the arms of her adoptive parents, Rex and Sandy Fuqua. Today, Susan and her husband Don are the proud parents of two biological sons and two adopted children.

�� The Smith Family (San Diego)

"The family I always dreamed of is the family I have now," says 12-year-old Jordan Smith. Growing up in foster care, Jordan lived in many different homes. But the home he shared with his adoptive parents, Patrick and Patty Smith, was the first home he could call his own. Jordan had lived there one year to the day when the house tragically burned to the ground recently in the Southern California wildfires. Jordan has brought strength to his new family during this difficult time, saying, "It was hard losing the house, but home is where the heart is, and as long as I have my mom and dad, I have everything I need."

�� The Salter Family (Washington, D.C.)

Placed in foster care at age 4, Shane Salter aged out of the system without ever being adopted. Against all odds, he graduated college, became a successful businessman and reached out as a married father of three to adopt four sons. Today, six years after his story first aired on "A Home for the Holidays," Shane's older children are now successful young adults and Shane's two youngest sons have overcome the challenges they faced early in life.

�� Children Waiting (Los Angeles)

There are over one half million children currently in foster care in the United States. This story gives voice to these children by creating an intimate portrait of foster children who need permanent loving homes.

The special is presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children's Action Network. Wendy's restaurant founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992. It is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the more than 100,000 children in the United States foster care system who have been freed for adoption. Wendy's Restaurants is a program sponsor.

The Children's Action Network was founded in 1990 by leaders in the entertainment industry to harness the power of the entertainment media on behalf of children. The special is a part of CAN's National Adoption Campaign to raise awareness of the joys of adopting and to find homes for the children who are waiting.

THE 9TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is produced by Triage Entertainment and Goldsmith Entertainment, in association with the Children's Action Network and the Dave Thomas Foundation. Karen Mack ("One Against the Wind"), Stu Schreiberg ("Jamie Foxx: Unpredicatable"), Stephen Kroopnick ("Iron Chef America: The Series") and Marilyn Seabury ("NAACP Image Awards") are the executive producers. Michael Simon ("Rock Star: INXS") is directing the special.

RATING: To Be Announced