SEAN PENN to receive
2006 Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award
MARCIA GAY HARDEN, HEATHER GRAHAM,
HARVEY KEITEL, BRANFORD MARSALIS and
RHONDA MIMS, President ING FOUNDATION
to receive
2006 SPOTLIGHT AWARDS
New York City (November 27, 2006) – The Creative Coalition announced today the recipients of the 2006 Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award and the 2006 Spotlight Awards. Sean Penn will receive the 2006 Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award as a tribute to his unwavering commitment to free speech. “The 2006 Christopher Reeve First Amendment Award honors Mr. Penn as an American leader who has demonstrated a willingness to stand firm in his convictions despite the commercial or political pressures of these turbulent times, and as a trailblazer who has used his voice to provide the nation’s citizenry with landmark public forums on controversial social and policy issues,” said The Creative Coalition Executive Director Robin Bronk. Also announced were the 2006 Spotlight Award recipients — Marcia Gay Harden, Heather Graham, Harvey Keitel and Branford Marsalis. “We are honored to present this year’s Spotlight Awards to these leaders from the entertainment industry in recognition of their outstanding commitment to using their ‘spotlights’ to champion social welfare issues,” continued Ms. Bronk. A special Spotlight Award also will be bestowed to Rhonda Mims, President of the ING Foundation. “Paying attention to civic responsibility is a guiding principle for ING. Under Ms. Mims’ stewardship, ING reaches into the community to not only participate but also to educate,” said Ms. Bronk.
The 2006 Spotlight and Christopher Reeve First Amendment Awards are the centerpiece of a gala evening that will benefit The Creative Coalition. The Gala takes place on Monday evening, December 18, 2006 in New York City. The event is co-hosted by Gotham magazine and will be held at Duvet (45 W. 21St Street). The evening is topped off by the Ultimate Gift Fantasy Experience. Back by popular demand and just in time for the holiday season, guests will choose – based on ticket level – the most deluxe and state-of-the-art merchandise from the worlds of fashion, beauty, entertainment, electronics, travel, and more presented by the ultimate in luxury merchants.
Expected attendees include entertainment industry leaders, Fortune 500 captains of industry, national policy makers and media personalities. Since 1995, The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight and Christopher Reeve First Amendment Awards has held a place of distinction in recognizing the best and brightest that influence the national agenda.
DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
WHO: Sean Penn, Marcia Gay Harden, Heather Graham, Harvey Keitel, Branford Marsalis, and Rhonda Mims, President of ING Foundation
WHAT: The Creative Coalition’s 2006 Spotlight and Christopher Reeve First Amendment Awards Gala and Ultimate Gift Fantasy Experience hosted by Gotham magazine
CONFIRMED
PRESENTERS: Kerry Washington, Joe Pantoliano, Tony Goldwyn, Matthew Modine,
Richard Schiff
WHERE: Duvet
45 W. 21st Street
New York City
WHEN: Monday evening, December 18, 2006
6:45 PM Red Carpet Arrivals/Press/Photo-ops
7:00 PM Gala
THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT. For press passes and to schedule photo opportunities, please contact Barbara Horvath at (212) 614-2527/ BHorvath@thecreativecoalition.org. For ticket information go to www.TheCreativeCoalition.org.
The Creative Coalition is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance, primarily the First Amendment, arts advocacy, campaign finance reform and public education. Headquartered in New York City, The Creative Coalition also has offices in Washington, DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates.
GOTHAM magazine has its finger on the pulse of New York City. We’ve cultivated relationships with the biggest names and most influential power players in Manhattan, and enjoy access to the most stylish events. Loyal, wealthy, and sophisticated New Yorkers consider GOTHAM their virtual “golden pages” for the best the city has to offer in the worlds of art, beauty, business, culture, dining, entertainment, fashion, interior design, jewelry and watches, nightlife, philanthropy, politics, real estate, sports, and travel-plus, of course, the inside scoop on gossip, society, and the metropolitan area’s social scene. With a devoted following comprised of the biggest names in Manhattan, a roster of the most exclusive and discerning advertisers, and a reputation for always being in the know, GOTHAM continues to be heralded as New York City’s personal concierge.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Barbara Horvath (212) 614-2527 / bhorvath@thecreativecoalition.org