The Creative Coalition Tackles the State of America’s Schools Before South Carolina Debate

Charleston, South Carolina (July 19, 2007) – The Creative Coalition is partnering with the Strong American Schools’ “ED in 08” initiative and the South Carolina Democratic Leadership Council to help ensure that education issues become a centerpiece for the 2008 campaign cycle.  The partnership kicks off with a town hall meeting this Monday afternoon, July 23 in Charleston, South Carolina, the day of the CNN/You Tube Democratic presidential candidate debate.

This luncheon event is moderated by The Creative Coalition Advisory Board memberLawrence O’Donnell Jr. and hosted by actors Richard SchiffErnie Hudson,Rachel Shelley and Rhys Coiro, features South Carolina’s top education and political leaders, who will challenge the 2008 presidential candidates to make K-12 education reform a priority.

As the nonprofit, nonpartisan public advocacy arm of the arts and entertainment industry, The Creative Coalition works to mobilize and educate the arts community on issues of national importance with special focus on First Amendment rights, public education, media literacy and arts advocacy.

DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

WHAT: 2007 Pre-Debate Luncheon sponsored by The Creative Coalition, Strong American Schools’ “ED in 08” campaign and the South Carolina Democratic Leadership Council.

WHO: Moderated by political pundit Lawrence O’Donnell Jr. (The West Wing, Big Love, The McLaughlin Group); and hosted by actors Richard Schiff (The West Wing), Ernie Hudson (Desperate Housewives)Rhys Coiro (Entourage), and Rachel Shelley (Gray Matters, The “L” Word).

WHERE: Charleston Marriott, Emerald Salon One

170 Lockwood Blvd.

Charleston, South Carolina

WHEN: Monday Afternoon, July 23, 2007

1:00pm

Press must be credentialed to attend this event.  For press credentials or additional information, please contact Ken Ericson, 202.466.1396, ken@westinrinehart.com.

About The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org)
The Creative Coalition is the leading 501(c)(3) 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, public education and arts advocacy.  Headquartered in New York City, The Creative Coalition also has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco.  The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates.  For more information, please visitwww.thecreativecoalition.org

About Strong American Schools (www.strongamericanschools.org)
Strong American Schools, a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, is a nonpartisan campaign supported by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation promoting sound education policies for all Americans. SAS does not support or oppose any candidate for public office and does not take positions on legislation.

###

CONTACT:

Ken Ericson, 202.466.1396, ken@westinrinehart.com

Sonja Olson, 202.466.3050, sonja@westinrinehart.com