[RecoveredKids] CELEBRITIES AND RENOWNED ARTISTS BACK ONE SERIOUS FUNDRAISER

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Subj: [RecoveredKids] PRESS RELEASE Date: 8/28/03 12:58:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time From: TAAP@...

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

August 28, 2003

CELEBRITIES AND RENOWNED ARTISTS BACK ONE SERIOUS FUNDRAISER

EVENT FOR AUTISM RESEARCH ON SEPTEMBER 20TH

FIRST ANNUAL ARTISM FOR AUTISM TO RAISE MONEY FOR AREA AUTISM RESEARCH INITIATIVE WHILE PAYING TRIBUTE TO LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS

Raleigh, NC - On Saturday, September 20th, musicians, celebrities and world-recognized artists will come to Raleigh for Artism for Autism '03, an effort which will raise money for autism research while paying tribute to area firefighters. Dubbed "one serious fundraiser," the event will be a "double-header" with a free family festival starting at 10:00 am in Square Park in downtown Raleigh, and a formal dinner at 7:00 pm at the Crabtree Marriott.

Popular local band Liquid Pleasure will perform live at Square, followed by Artist in Concert Israel who will bring his unique blend of painting and performance to the stage as the grand finale. Israel will create a piece featuring a firefighter saving a child to the song Hero using his famous "spinning canvas" technique. This original painting, as well as prints, will be available for purchase at the event.

Interactive art stations, courtesy of Arts Access, will be set up for children to draw and paint. Fine art, available for purchase, will be displayed throughout the park.

Two stars of the new television show, "DHS: Department of Homeland Security," are lending their support by attending Artism for Autism. Actors Alison Heruth-Waterbury and P. Cavanaugh will be on-hand to sign autographs and help honor local firefighters and first-responders.

The evening dinner will feature a live auction followed by an encore performance by Israel. WRAL News anchor Crabtree will act as Master of Ceremonies.

Metin Bereketli is an internationally-acclaimed painter whose inventive style has earned the esteem of Presidents , Clinton, and Bush. His work has been showcased in The sonian, Library of Art, and Sothebys London. Metins paintings can be seen every week in hit television shows like Friends, ER, Will and Grace, General Hospital, and more. Along with prints from his popular "Diversity" series, Bereketli has donated his striking original, "Reaching Out," valued at $30,000 with a reserve starting at $16,000.

Compared by the press as a young Picasso, 11-year-old Georgie Pocheptsov has been featured on Oprah, Time Magazine, the Today Show, and other magazines and television shows around the world. His amazing talent has drawn the attention of celebrities. Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Jordan and Secretary of State Colin have all commissioned work from Georgie. Pocheptsov has created an original painting specifically for Artism for Autism. Inspired by a talented child-violinist with autism, the acrylic-on-canvas titled The Magic Violin is valued at $20,000, and will be unveiled at the event.

Artism for Autism is only the 2nd charitable event to be given a Madonna Della Pieta. The bronze statue, containing the official Vatican Seal, recently sold for $75,000 in Seattle. The bidding for this statue will start at just $15,000. The original Madonna Pieta was the only sculpture ever signed by Michelangelo.

Other works by actress Jane Seymour, Lorenzo Ghiglieri, Copeland, Roy Steinberg, P. Buckley Moss, and more will be available. A hand-signed book by Maya Angelou and other items will also be up for auction.

Proceeds from Artism for Autism will benefit the research initiative of Dr. of Wake Forest University and Dr. Jeff Segal. Dr. Segal, a neurosurgeon and parent of an autistic child, has worked with Dr. for several years to determine the causes of autism. Segal also collaborates with UNC Medical School. "This fundraiser will provide critical support to research that is already deciphering the mysteries of autism. What separates Dr. 's research from many other labs is the goal to translate his findings into near-term therapies for children. Understanding the biology is important in it of itself. But, families with affected children do not have the luxury of time to wait for answers, and more importantly, treatments. Wake Forest University is building upon a strong foundation to be a leader in making a profound difference for our children," says Segal.

According to Centers for Disease Control, autism now affects as many as 1 in 150 children, mostly boys. A 2001 multi-million dollar State of California study performed by the M.I.N.D. Institute, determined that the increasing numbers of autism can not be attributed to better diagnostic measures, or migration patterns.

Parent and event coordinator Christian McIlwain says Artism for Autism will have something for everyone. Its a great event for families to get out and enjoy a day of music and art. In the process, we hope to raise critical funds for autism research and honor the men and women firefighters who protect us every day, says McIlwain. Plus, serious art collectors have the opportunity to obtain incredible original works of art at auction prices.

Actors Travolta and Preston will act as honorary hosts for the event featuring impressive original works of art, signed prints, and celebrity-signed silent auction items. Although the couple regretfully cannot attend, Prestons assistant says Travolta and Preston are in full support of the event and want to be there in name and spirit.

Artism for Autism is presented by The Autism Autoimmunity Project, and sponsored by Capitol Broadcasting, Jerry's Artarama, Bono/State Farm Insurance, Healthy Sprinkles, UPS Store/Cary Towne Blvd., and Communications Specialists.

All donations are tax-deductible. The events double-doer program will allow buyers to re-donate their purchased art to area childrens hospitals, churches, and fire stations. For more information visit www.artismforautism.com.

Contact:

Lori McIlwain, 919/468-6455 lorimcilwain@...

Bono, 919/403-9443 ldbono@...