Thomas, Etheridge support water initiative

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LOS ANGELES, March 10 (UPI) -- U.S. singers Melissa Etheridge and Rob Thomas are to take part in the global water initiative Dow Live Earth Run for Water.

Live Earth, organizer of the Dow Live Earth Run for Water; Pacific Sports, race director for the Los Angeles event; and Atlanta Track Club, race director for the Atlanta event, announced Monday that Etheridge will perform live at the Los Angeles eent and Thomas will perform in Atlanta.

The Dow Live Earth Run for Water is a series of 6km run/walks, culminating with water education villages and live musical performances.

"I'm a long-time environmental advocate and believe strongly that it is our duty as a society and as individuals to preserve our planet and its resources," Etheridge said in a statement. "I want to lend my name and time to this event because the global water crisis is an environmental issue that affects nearly 1 billion people on the planet and through this event we can raise awareness and money to help address it."

"I am thrilled to be participating in this important event to bring clean, safe drinking water to the women and children around the world walking 6km every day to sustain their families," Thomas said. "I encourage the Atlanta community to come out on April 18 because together we can make a difference in the lives of so many."

The events are to take place in nearly 100 cities across 50 countries around the world April 18 to raise awareness and funds to help solve the global water crisis, organizers said.