Ebel, the luxury Swiss watch brand, has named singer and actress Kelly Rowland as its “2003 Ebel Woman of Achievement.” Rowland was chosen for her charitable efforts on behalf of “Bread of Life,” a program that feeds homeless people and reunites families.

Rowland will receive the award and an Ebel Tarawa women’s watch on Nov. 19 at Dejaun Jewelers in Hollywood, Calif. In addition, Ebel will make a $5,000 cash donation in her name and Dajaun Jewelers will donate 10% of the evening sales to “Bread of Life.”

“An Ebel Woman of Achievement is one who, as a leader in her community, has chosen to help those in need, promoting humanity and sharing her vision with others,” says Randi Shinske, president and chief executive officer of Ebel USA. “Kelly Rowland’s hard work and dedication in promoting the total well-being of homeless men, women, and children in the United States not only exemplifies that but also reflects a strong and nurturing individual and community activist.”

The multi-talented Rowland is one-third of “Destiny’s Child,” one of the best-selling female musicals groups of all time. In addition to the group’s many platinum albums, top hits, music videos, and concerts around the world, she also has appeared in top fashion magazines, on TV, and most recently in movies.

The “Bread of Life: Homeless Project” was launched in 1992 in Houston by St. John’s United Methodist Church, which Rowland attended as a child. The project, which began with nine volunteers, now has a full-time staff of 80 who provide a variety of medical, educational, therapeutic, and other services to men, women, and children, including serving more than 6,000 meals monthly. Rowland’s involvement includes coordinating annual food drives, serving meals, and ongoing efforts to raise significant financial support for the program. For information about the “Bread of Life” program, go to www.stjohnsdowntown.org/bread2.htm. For information about Ebel, visit www.ebel.com.

JCK