(ROCKWALL, Texas) – With ‘American Idol’ Top 10 finalist Jason Castro in Hollywood, Rockwall now has two singing sensations to crow about:  Joseph Reyna, a Stephen F. Austin vocal major, has won the title of “Rockwall Idol” at the annual singing competition and benefit, held this past weekend at the soon-to-be-opened HiltonBellaHarbor.

Reyna’s winning performance was a cover of Season Two American Idol winner Ruben Studdard’s “Flying Without Wings.” 

“Singing is something I have always done, sometimes too much,” said Reyna. “I remember when I was in school in Sachse; my teacher called my mother at home and asked her to have me stop singing in class so much.”

His passion paid off as Reyna received $500, a professional recording of his performance donated by Manor Recording Studio and the title of 2008 Rockwall Idol.

The event, created by Rockwall Soroptimists, raises money for women and children’s medical needs including mammograms, bone density testing and dental work.

“Rockwall Idol allows the women of Rockwall Soroptimists to raise crucial funds for the young girls and women who need medical help during these difficult economic times,” said Karen Coughlin, chair for this year’s event and HiltonBellaHarbor hotel manager. “Soroptimist means ‘best for women’ and with this year’s event doubling our donations goal, that’s exactly what we intend to provide – our very best in support for these women.”

The 2008 Rockwall Idol benefit, which included a performance by local real estate icon and avid ukulele player, Ebby Halliday, tripled what the Rockwall Soroptimists earned last year.

“I was thrilled to be a part of this event,” said Reyna. “Not only did I have the chance to sing in front of people, but I also got to help contribute to an important cause.”

For more information about Rockwall Idol, call the Rockwall Chapter of Soroptimist International at (214) 683-4626 or visit www.soroptimistrockwall.org.

About HiltonBellaHarbor

Hilton BellaHarbor is a luxurious and lakeside 231-room, 25,000-square foot resort-style hotel located 22 miles east of downtown Dallas. Resting on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in Rockwall, Texas, Hilton Bella Harbor features exclusive and elite amenities including: captivating waterfront views in most of suites, conference center with 16 meeting rooms including a 1,200-person capacity ballroom, Wi-Fi accessibility throughout the hotel, golf privileges at Buffalo Creek Golf Course, 5,000 square-foot full service spa, fine eateries featuring the work of acclaimed chefs including its signature eclectic-fare Mistra, sculpted fountains, boardwalks and other water features surrounding the Whittle Development masterplanned 31-acre retail project, “The Harbor.

About Rockwall Soroptimists

Since 1984, the Rockwall Chapter of Soroptimists International has raised thousands of dollars in scholarships, food drives and other philanthropic means of support for the young women and children of RockwallCounty. Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International is an organization of approximately 100,000 business and professional women in more than 120 countries worldwide that strive to achieve financial, social, educational and vocational sustainability in their lives. They are women helping women be their best.