Nashville Star Finalist John Arthur Martinez Launches Fireside Tour with Benefit Concert for the Pediatric Heart Center at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa.

John Arthur Martinez, national country star and finalist of the recent USA Networks television series "Nashville Star", will kick off his first annual Fireside Tour with a benefit concert in Oldsmar, FL on Friday, February 4th. The concert will be hosted at the residence of two-year-old cardiac survivor and Heart Center patient, David Binko. Proceeds will benefit the Gary Haas Heart Fund, founded in 2001 by Ms. Heidi Hess after the tragic death of her husband, noted cardiac surgeon Gary Haas. Funds will be earmarked for the Pediatric Heart Center at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa.

Oldsmar, FL (PRWEB) January 29, 2005 -- John Arthur Martinez, national country star and finalist of the recent USA Networks television series "Nashville Star", will kick off his first annual Fireside Tour with a benefit concert in Oldsmar, FL. The concert will be hosted at the residence of two-year-old cardiac survivor, David Binko.

Donations will be accepted for the Gary Haas Foundation, founded in 2001 by Ms. Heidi Hess after the tragic death of her husband, noted cardiac surgeon Gary Haas. Funds will be earmarked for the Pediatric Heart Center at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital of Tampa.

Each year, St. Joseph's Heart Center saves hundreds of infants and children from death or permanent disability due to congenital heart disease and other heart issues. With one of the lowest mortality rates in the country and some of the best cardiologists, surgeons, and specialists in the industry, the Heart Center brings hope and help to scores of families from Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas.

John Arthur Martinez thrilled country music fans as he rose through the ranks of USA Network's Nashville Star competition to be one of three finalists to receive national recording contracts. He has generously chosen to kick-off his Fireside Tour with a fund-raising concert benefiting the Heart Center.

Two-year-old David Binko was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease in utero at the Heart Center. Due to a genetic deletion of the 22q chromosome, his right ventricle never formed and without immediate care surgery at birth, he would not have survived. Today, after three surgeries and dozens of stays at the Heart Center, he is healthy, happy and enjoying life at his home in Oldsmar. He is awaiting his last scheduled surgery this spring, once again at St. Joseph's.

"I am delighted to have such wonderful community support for this event," said Ms. Hess, "This is truly a worthy cause, and the evening promises to be such fun!" All involved are delighted to be involved in this intimate concert for a great cause.

Tickets are by invitation only. Press Inquiries can be made through Ms. Hess at heidi.hess@tampabay.rr.com or Bill Binko at 727-224-8892.

More information about the Foundation can be found at: http://www.cftampabay.org/Donors/donor11.htm

John Arthur Martinez information including booking requests and tour schedules can be found at: http://www.johnarthurmartinez.net.

Information about David Binko and his family can be requested at david@binko.net.

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