EMMY NOMINATED CELEBRITIES TO APPEAR AT ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL CHARITY EVENT

Nominations for the 30th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards have been announced and many of the Soap Stars vying for an award will be at the Marco Island Film Festivals Celebrity Charity Event on May 2-4, 2003.

Soap, film and sports celebrities return to Southwest Florida on May 2nd-4th to support the Marco Island Film Festivals annual celebrity fundraising event. Over two dozen stars will join festival supporters at a VIP reception, a golf tournament, a theater performance, and a Sunday brunch. Proceeds from the weekend long fundraising event will benefit the Marco Island Film Festivals ongoing educational programs.

A VIP MEET THE STARS Sponsor Party kicks off the celebrity charity weekend on Friday, May 2nd at Front Street Italian Steakhouse.

Saturday, May 3rd, the public events begin with the annual CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT at Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club. Television stars, professional athletes, and film celebrities will play 18 holes of golf with local residents and visitors. For a $150 donation, golfers will enjoy a continental breakfast prior to the scramble tournament at 8:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon and awards ceremony. Non-golfers can become a CELEBRITY CADDY/DRIVER for a $125 donation that includes escorting and driving a celebrity participant, and attending the awards ceremony. CELEBRITY GOLF SPECTATORS can purchase tickets for $40 per person. Stars will be in attendance during all events and all golf event tickets include lunch.

Last years celebrities included multi-Emmy winner Kim Zimmer, NBCs hit American Dreams" star Brittany Snow, sports legend Luis Tiant and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks.

On Saturday evening, May 3rd, eight soap stars will perform an encore presentation of Vendlers Television Playhouse." This theatrical event will take place at 8:00 p.m. at Edison Community College in Naples and is a special performance that should not to be missed. Seating is limited so purchase your $30 tickets early. This event is currently open for sponsorship.

Rounding out the celebrity fundraising weekend, cast members of CBS daytime televisions GUIDING LIGHT and AS THE WORLD TURNS will be on-hand at the 4th annual BRUNCH IN SPRINGFIELD on May 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Hammock Golf and Country Club.

This event includes photo opportunities, autograph signing, a Q&A session, a trivia contest, an auction, a brunch buffet, and our popular April Fools" script reading. Tickets are $60 per person. Table sponsorships are available at $200 and include your company logo on a table as well as your company name in all advertisements and in the event program.

Currently scheduled to take part in the charity event from GUIDING LIGHT are: Anthony Addabbo, Brittany Snow, Liz Keifer, Frank DiCopoulos, Matthew Bomer, KIM ZIMMER (nominated for Lead Actress in a Drama Series), PAUL ANTHONY STEWART (nominated for Supporting Actor in a Drama Series), Maureen Garrett, Beth Chamberlin, JORDI VILASUSO (nominated for Young Actor in a Drama Series), Marj Dusay, RICKY PAULL GOLDIN (nominated for Lead Actor in a Drama Series), Robert Newman, Aubrey Dollar, and Jay Hammer. And attending from AS THE WORLD TURNS (nominated for Best Drama Series) are: Scott Holroyd, Bailey Chase, Kelley Menighan Hensley, Jon Hensley, and Jessica Dunphy.        

Current sponsors include Spirit Airlines, Island Mortgage, the Marco Island Sun Times, and David Rush Financial Associates.

The Marco Island Film Festival is an annual independent film event and takes place each year in the fall. The Festival encompasses all aspects of film production, and recognizes and honors independent filmmakers and student cinematography from around the world. The Festival, in its sixth year, is directed by a volunteer board and is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.

For more information on this fundraising event or sponsorship of the Sixth Annual Marco Island Film Festival call (239) 642-3378 or visit the website at www.marcoislandfilmfest.com.