"THE 11TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH FAITH HILL," AN ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL CELEBRATING THE JOYS OF ADOPTION, TO BE BROADCAST WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Faith Hill, Mary J. Blige, Michael Franti, Reba McEntire, Shakira and Carrie Underwood Among Artists Performing on this Moving Holiday Special

Jenna Elfman, Nia Vardalos and Other Celebrities Present Inspirational Stories About Foster Care Adoption

THE 11TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH FAITH HILL, a new entertainment special to be broadcast Wednesday, Dec. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, will include moving performances by five-time Grammy Award winner and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award winner Faith Hill, who headlines for the second time, Grammy Award-winning singer Mary J. Blige, musician and featured adoptee Michael Franti, Grammy and ACM Award-winning country superstar Reba McEntire, Grammy Award-winning Latin pop singer Shakira and Grammy and ACM Award-winning star Carrie Underwood, among others. Jenna Elfman ("Accidentally on Purpose") and Nia Vardalos ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding") are among the celebrities presenting inspirational stories about adoption.

Following the success of the past 10 annual shows, the special continues to tell touching stories about foster care adoption to raise awareness for this important social issue. The inspirational stories of these American families are enhanced by performances from some of today's most popular artists.

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.

Farmakis Family (Elkhorn, Wis.)

�� Minuette and her little sister, Josette, endured years of abuse and neglect before a fifth grade teacher made a decision that would change their lives. "I always tried to protect my little sister and when my teacher said she could help us get into foster care, I knew that there was finally a way that we could be safe," says 18-year-old Minuette. After three years of foster care, the girls were adopted by their loving new parents, Dan and Angela Farmakis in 2007. "Having a family and my sister is a dream come true," says 16-year-old Josette.

Hostler Family (Lititz, Penn.)

�� Joe and Lisa Hostler had been married 11 years when the couple was inspired to adopt after watching "A Home for the Holidays." "We loved raising our daughter Chelsea but she was heading off to college soon. We thought it over and decided to adopt," says Lisa. The couple soon met 14-year-old Yvonne, who was living in a group home for hard-to-place children. "I never thought I'd find a family. My parents and my sister Chelsea are my heroes because they took time to love me, care for me and never gave up on me. Love is the greatest feeling in the world," says 16-year-old Yvonne.

Michael Franti (San Francisco)

�� Charles and Carole Franti had three biological children when they adopted a little boy named Michael in 1966. Three years later, the couple adopted another son, Matthew. Their hopes and dreams for their new sons were simple. Like most parents, the Frantis wanted their children to be healthy, happy, and loved. Raising a multicultural family, the Frantis taught all their children that love knows no boundaries. Michael soon proved to be a gifted musician, which gave him a way to share his parents' message on a grand scale. By his mid-20s, he had a record deal and was reaching audiences nationwide as the opening act for U2's Zoo TV Tour. "Being adopted has greatly influenced the work that I do as a musician. As someone who has dedicated my life to making music that heals, I have found that making music isn't just a pleasure, it's a privilege."

Children Waiting (Los Angeles and San Diego)

�� There are over one half million children currently in foster care in the United States, 129,000 waiting to be adopted. This segment gives voice to these children by creating an intimate portrait of youth 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 International founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992. It is dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 129,000 waiting children in the United States foster care system. Wendy's 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 11TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH FAITH HILL is produced by Triage Entertainment and Goldsmith Entertainment, in association with the Children's Action Network and the Dave Thomas Foundation. Karen Mack, Stu Schreiberg, Stephen Kroopnick and Marilyn Seabury are the executive producers. Kelly Brock is the producer, Kimberly Steer is the supervising producer and Mary Donaldson is the coordinating producer. Michael Simon is directing the special.

RATING: To Be Announced