Orbit Skate Center in Palatine, Illinois is helping combat hunger during the Thanksgiving Holidays by offering $1.00 off admission to any roller skating session with the donation of two cans of food for the Palatine Food Pantry.

Skaters from all over the state are hoping to fill the pantry and have fun skating at the same time.

About Orbit Skate Center

Located 28 miles north of Chicago, Orbit Skate Center is the best place to roller skate in the Northwest Suburbs. Not many roller rinks have huge half acre wood floors for family skating!

We have public sessions, classes and lessons to learn to skate, birthday parties for children, teens, adults and private parties for any occasion. Have your next event with us and reserve your time online!

SOURCE Orbit Skate Center, 847-394-9199
615 S Consumers Avenue
Palatine, Illinois 60074

ONLINE http://www.orbitskate.net

Will Skate for Food Campaign at Orbit Skate Center | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Stickney, Ill. (Nov. 15, 2010) – Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago’s family-owned race course, today announced their 5^th annual Black Friday party. The event will be hosted by Lindsey, The Loop Rock Girl, and set in the exclusive Hawthorne Turf Club on November 26.

“The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally all about deals, shopping and crazy crowds. So we want to give people an alternative to the Black Friday madness,” said Tim Carey, President and General Manager of Hawthorne.

“People have really made this party a tradition for their families.  It’s a great time to visit with friends and family in town for the holidays but without being couped-up in the house all day eating leftover, or fighting crowds at the mall.”

The event marks the first time this year that Hawthorne has opened its semi-private Turf Club to the public.  The exclusive third floor suite overlooking the finish line has over 50 HDTVs showing Hawthorne’s own races as well as dozens of tracks around the country, plus football.

Tickets for the event are just $25 for a three-hour buffet and bar package. Dewar’s 12 will also host a premium scotch tasting.  All Turf Club guests will have a chance to win bonus cash and prizes after every Hawthorne race.  The event is expected to sell out.

Guests can secure reservations by calling guest services at (708) 780- 3733. First post is at 1:30PM.

For serious handicappers, Hawthorne will be hosting the championship finale of its $100,000 Handicap Challenge on November 26 and November 27. Grand prize is $50,000 cash and there’s no entry fee.

ABOUT HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE

Hawthorne Race Course is in its 101^st year of racing under Carey family ownership.  Live racing action runs Wednesday through Saturday through December 31.  For more information visit www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com, call Guest Services at 708-780-3733.

Join the conversation online – Hawthorne Race Course now offers unique ways for fans to engage with us and receive information. Twitter and Facebook users can get the latest news and participate in contests by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ClubHawthorne, and becoming a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClubHawthorne.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dakota Shultz, 312-371-4104
dakota@agencythreesixty.com

Ben Pavlovic, 312-961-3919
ben@agencythreesixty.com

Hawthorne Opens Private Turf Club to Host 5th Annual Black Friday Bash on Day After Thanksgiving | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

With the 2009 H1N1 flu still circulating widely in Illinois and most of the country, Dr. Damon T. Arnold, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, is urging people to remember four things when traveling during the holiday season:

• Travel only when feeling well
• Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
• Get flu vaccinations as soon as available (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu for priority groups)

“As we enter the holiday season, we know the H1N1 flu is a concern for many people, especially those traveling. Taking some basic preventive measures, including staying home if your sick, washing your hands often, covering your cough and sneeze, and getting vaccinated when possible, can greatly reduce your chances of becoming ill,” Dr. Arnold said.

“Don’t let the flu ruin your holidays.”

The flu is spread mainly through person-to-person contact when an infected person does not properly cover a cough or sneeze.

Holiday travel and gatherings increase the opportunity for person-to-persona contact, making it an ideal way for illness to spread.

For more information about 2009 H1N1 flu and information on vaccine sites in your area, log onto ready.illinois.gov.

Or, for non-medical questions about the H1N1 virus, call the Illinois Flu Hotline at 866-848-2094 or 866-241-2138 (Spanish).

Illinois Public Health Director Offers Holiday Health Tips to Avoid the Flu | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, today announced a $1 million donation from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to support Feeding America’s efforts to connect low-income Americans with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly named the Food Stamp Program.

The funds will be used to help Feeding America food banks improve access and provide pre-screening and application assistance for low-income clients seeking emergency food assistance who are eligible for SNAP but not participating.

The announcement comes on the heels of a report, Reaching Those in Need: State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Rates in 2007, released yesterday by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicating that in 2007, only 66 percent of people who were eligible for SNAP received benefits.

State-by-state participation rates varied from 42 percent to 100 percent.

“On behalf of the 25 million people that the Feeding America network serves, I am deeply grateful to Bank of America for its tremendous generosity,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America.

“This donation will enable food banks to connect the millions of people who visit emergency shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens across the nation who are eligible for SNAP benefits but unaware they are eligible for the program or not participating because of other barriers.

We believe the majority of people who are eligible for the program but not participating are seeking food assistance from an agency served by our Network.

“In light of the recent current economic downturn, and consequently a significant increase in the number of people who are in need of help, SNAP outreach is one of the most important things we can do to ensure that no American goes to bed hungry at night,” continued Escarra.

“Ensuring vulnerable populations have access to basic services is a critical component to revitalizing our nation’s economy,” said Kerry Sullivan, President, Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

“Bank of America’s focus on providing meaningful support to the communities we serve has never been more important. As an increasing number of families across our country are affected by events beyond their control, we are proud to support Feeding America in their efforts to reduce hunger and ensure low-income families have access to this important anti-hunger support system.”

Bank of America is a longtime supporter of the Feeding America network and in addition to this grant, provided over $2.5 million to Feeding America and our member food banks in the past year.

More than 1,200 Bank of America associates donated nearly 3,700 hours to the Feeding America network over the past year.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive.

As the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year, including 9 million children and 3 million seniors.

Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 63,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit feedingamerica.org.

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/Feedingamerica.

About Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy

Building on a long-standing tradition of investing in the communities it serves, Bank of America this year embarked on a new, ten-year goal to donate $2 billion to nonprofit organizations engaged in improving the health and vitality of their neighborhoods.

Funded by Bank of America, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation gave more than $200 million in 2008, making the bank the most generous financial institution in the world and the second largest donor of all U.S. corporations in cash contributions.

Bank of America approaches investing through a national strategy called “neighborhood excellence” under which it works with local leaders to identify and meet the most pressing needs of individual communities.

Bank associate volunteers contributed more than 900,000 hours in 2008 to enhance the quality of life in their communities nationwide.

For more information about Bank of America Corporate Philanthropy, please visit bankofamerica.com/foundation.

Bank of America Donates $1 Million to Help Connect Low-Income Americans With Federal Nutrition Programs | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Bus and rail service will operate on a normal weekday schedule on Friday, Nov. 27.

CTA service to both major Chicago airports provides Thanksgiving travelers with reliable and economical transportation. Air travel is expected to be heavy from Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Nov. 29.

Longer trains will operate on the Orange, Brown, Green and Blue lines beginning in the afternoon hours on Wednesday, Nov. 25 to accommodate additional airport travelers.

As a result of CTA’s aggressive efforts to eliminate slow zones along the O’Hare branch of the Blue Line, air travelers now can reach O’Hare Airport in approximately 40 – 45 minutes from the Clark/Lake station in the Loop.

Elevated rail customers can transfer to the Blue Line for no additional charge at the Clark/Lake station. Red Line customers can connect to the Blue Line by using the pedestrian transfer tunnel at Jackson.

Also, customers can transfer to the Blue Line from all east-west bus routes between Grand and Foster, and from many north-south bus routes.

Orange Line trains provide direct service to Midway Airport. In the Loop, customers can transfer to Orange Line trains at the Clark/Lake station for no charge.

In addition, Red Line customers can transfer to the Orange Line at the Roosevelt station at no extra charge.

To avoid traffic congestion, customers can combine the convenience of driving with the economical savings of public transit by using CTA Park and Ride facilities. Parking is available for approximately 6,000 cars at CTA’s 17 Park & Ride facilities, mainly at rail terminals, throughout the CTA system.

Park & Ride stations are listed on CTA’s system map and on the CTA’s web site at transitchicago.com.

Customers may also obtain information on Park & Ride facilities by calling 836-7000 from any local area code.

CTA Service to O’Hare and Midway Airports Gives Travelers Convenient Options Over the Holiday Weekend | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CTA Holiday Train

On Wednesday, Nov. 25 from noon until 6pm, the festive CTA Holiday Train will travel along the Pink Line and through the Loop. In addition, from approximately 4:30 until 5:30pm on Wednesday, the train will operate continuously around the Loop for this year’s tree-lighting ceremonies in Daley Plaza.

Customers also can catch the Holiday Train along the Blue Line between the hours of 3pm until 8pm on Friday, Nov. 27.

The Holiday Train will travel along all CTA rail lines through the end of December as part of its regular rail service. Normal CTA fares apply. (see schedule for details)

Reroutes Due to Parade Set-Up

To allow crews to set up the parade grandstand for the 76th Annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, State Street between Washington and Randolph will be closed from 8pm Wednesday night, Nov. 25, until the parade ends on Thursday.

During this time, six routes temporarily will be detoured to nearby streets to maintain service.

Southbound #4 Cottage Grove (Night Owl) buses will travel over the regular route along Randolph past Dearborn to Clark then will operate via Clark to Washington and then resume the regular route. Northbound #4 (Night Owl) buses are not affected and will travel over the regular route.

Southbound #6 Jackson Park Express, #29 State, #36 Broadway, #62 Archer and #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express buses will operate over their regular routes along State to Randolph then will travel via Randolph, Clark, Washington to State and then resume their regular routes.

Northbound #6, #36 and #62 buses are not affected and will travel their regular routes.

Northbound #29 and #146 buses will travel over their regular routes along State to Washington then will operate via Washington, Michigan, Randolph to State and then resume their regular routes.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

Sixteen CTA bus routes that operate downtown will undergo temporary reroutes for the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Thursday, Nov. 26.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 8:30am and proceed north on State from Congress to Randolph.

On Thursday, in addition to being closed between Washington and Madison, State Street also will be closed between Roosevelt and Congress from 4am until the completion of the parade.

All east-west streets between Roosevelt and Wacker will be closed at State from 8am until 2pm.

CTA will detour buses operating in the vicinity of the parade from early morning until the parade ends. Customers should allow extra travel time.

The affected routes are: #6 Jackson Park Express, #10 Museum of Science & Industry, #14 Jeffery Express, #20 Madison, #22 Clark, #29 State, #36 Broadway, #56 Milwaukee, #60 Blue Island/26th, #62 Archer, #124 Navy Pier, #126 Jackson, #145 Wilson/Michigan Express, #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, #147 Outer Drive Express and #151 Sheridan.

All CTA buses and trains will operate on a Sunday/holiday schedule on Thursday.

Bus Reroutes

Instead of operating along State Street, southbound #6 Jackson Park Express and #10 Museum of Science & Industry buses will operate along Michigan between Wacker and Balbo then resume their regular routes.

Northbound #10 buses will travel the reverse route; northbound #6 buses are not affected and will travel over the regular route.

Northbound #14 Jeffery Express buses will operate along Michigan past Madison to Wacker Place-South Water and then travel via Wacker Place, Wabash, Wacker Drive, Clark to Madison and then resume the regular route.

Southbound #14 buses will travel along Monroe to Dearborn then operate via Dearborn, Wacker, Wacker Place to Michigan and then resume the regular route.

Eastbound #20 Madison, #56 Milwaukee and #60 Blue Island/26th buses will end their trips at Washington and Clark and will begin westbound trips on Madison at Clark over the regular route. Buses operating along the #20, #56 and #60 routes will not travel east of Dearborn.

Southbound #22 Clark buses will travel to Clark and Congress before resuming northbound service via Congress to Dearborn. #22 buses will not operate south of Congress.

Northbound #29 State buses will operate over the regular route along State to Roosevelt then travel via Roosevelt, Clark, Harrison, Dearborn, Wacker to State and then resume the regular route.

Southbound #29 buses will travel over the regular route along State to Wacker then operate via Wacker, Clark, Roosevelt to State and then resume the regular route.

Southbound #36 Broadway will travel over the regular route along State to Wacker then operate via Wacker, Clark, Congress to Dearborn for the end of route and start of northbound service over the regular route. #36 buses will not operate south of Congress.

Northbound #62 Archer buses will operate over the regular route along State to Roosevelt and then travel via Roosevelt, Michigan, Wacker Place, Wabash, Wacker Drive to Dearborn and then resume the regular route.

Southbound #62 buses will travel over the regular route along State to Wacker Drive then operate via Wacker Drive, Wacker Place, Michigan, Roosevelt to State and then resume the regular route.

CTA Will Operate on Holiday Schedule Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26 | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

However, all services the Department provides through its internet Website will be available.

People still will be able to file for first-time unemployment benefits, certify for benefits which is necessary to receive payment, and switch that method of payment to direct deposit.

The Web site is ides.state.il.us.

Because Thursday is a federal banking holiday, the availability of some benefit payments might be delayed. The IDES does not determine federal banking holidays.

The Department encourages direct deposit. Direct deposit is a simple, smart and secure way to receive benefits. Debit cards also are available.

There are no fees associated with a debit card when used inside more than 5,000 Illinois banks that accept Visa, or point-of-service counters across the country that accept Visa, such as grocery stores, drug stores and convenience stores. Customers can request cash back after qualifying purchases.

Fees likely will be assessed when using out-of-network ATM machines.

Career planning, training and job placement assistance are available at Illinois workNet centers. The services encourage individuals to assess their current skills and identify the training or education needed to augment those skills so they are ready to re-enter the workforce when a national recovery brings job growth to Illinois.

The Department also administers tax credits and bonding programs that reward employers who hire specific workers, such as military veterans and the formerly incarcerated.

The Department hosts workshops to help employers better understand how unemployment insurance claims are evaluated, what is required to successfully challenge a claim, and other services to help businesses evaluate current and future growth potential.

The seasonally adjusted national unemployment rate for the month of October is 10.2 percent. The same figure for Illinois is 11 percent. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for a job regardless if they are eligible for unemployment insurance.

A person not collecting unemployment insurance still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they continue to look for work.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development.

It does so through nearly 60 offices across the state, including the Illinois workNet Centers.

Employment Security Closed Thanksgiving and Friday; Banking Holiday Might Affect Payments | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The feast will be held at Washington’s Constitution Hall, where the multi-platinum-selling recording artist will be performing later in the evening as part of his multi-city “Ladies Make Some Noise!” tour.

Following the dinner, the troops will attend the concert as Kelly’s guests.

“There’s nothing worse than being away from your loved ones at the holidays,” said Kelly.

“This is my way of my way of saying thank you to all the brave men and women who have given up so much in order to protect us. It’s their sacrifices that allow us to sleep comfortably at night and send our children off to school in the morning.”

Kelly’s history of supporting the troops goes back to 2003, when his single “Soldier’s Heart” became an unofficial anthem of support for American fighting men and women deployed to Iraq.

Kelly donated proceeds from that song to charities that support the families of soldiers, including Army Emergency Relief.

Later that year, he did a free concert for 10,000 troops at Fort Hood, Texas, that was also broadcast via satellite to soldiers serving on the front lines in Iraq.

About R. Kelly

A multiple Grammy-winner, Kelly is set to release his tenth studio album, Untitled, on Jive Records on December 1. He wraps up his sold-out “Ladies Make Some Noise!” tour on Dec. 8 in St. Louis, MO.

R. Kelly’s remarkable career spans two decades filled with accomplishments and achievements. Acclaimed for his studio work as well as his riveting live performances, Kelly has sold more than 34 million records worldwide, including six No. 1 albums, twelve platinum-plus selling albums, and eleven No. 1 singles.

He has collaborated and written songs for musical icons from all genres, including Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Usher, and Celine Dion. After 18 years of stardom, Kelly continues to forge an artistic path that caters to fantasy and captures the hearts of adoring fans.

R. Kelly to Host Thanksgiving Feast for Soldiers in Washington, D.C. | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

With highway fatalities down thus far in 2009, Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig today announced an all out Click It or Ticket (CIOT) mobilization aimed at saving a record number of lives during the Thanksgiving Holiday.

While Illinois motorists have reached a record high of 91.7 percent safety belt usage mark, the new campaign aims to save even more lives by reaching a 100 percent safety belt compliance rate.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and local law enforcement agencies are coordinating the statewide law enforcement crackdown.

In total, 193 enforcement agencies will participate in the crackdown and 12,268 total enforcement hours will be used.  The crackdown will be in conjunction with the Operation Save 100 Initiative aimed at saving 100 lives by the end of 2009.

The enforcement crackdown is coupled with a new public service announcement titled, “Cops Everywhere” which features Illinois State Police and local law enforcement officials reminding motorists to always buckle up.

“We are proud to work with state and local law enforcement to help decrease the number of fatalities in Illinois and encourage more motorists to buckle up,” said Secretary Hannig.

“Buckling your safety belt saves lives and is also the best defense against an impaired driver.”

This year marks the 6th anniversary of the primary safety belt law, which was enacted in 2003.  During that time statewide safety belt compliance has increased 15.5 percentage points, from 76.2 percent in 2003 to 91.7 percent in 2009.

Highway fatalities in Illinois have plummeted from a high of 1,454 in 2003 to lows not seen since 1923.  The downward trend has accelerated with highway fatalities down on a provisional basis as of November 10th, from 883 at this time last year to 781.

“The Illinois State Police will remain diligent in our ongoing efforts to reduce fatalities on Illinois roadways, especially during the upcoming holiday season,” said Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken.

“Our officers are determined to reduce fatalities and achieve a record low fatality rate during 2009 by enforcing safety belt and child safety seat laws during the Click It or Ticket Mobilization.”

During this campaign, hundreds of local, state and county law enforcement agencies will dedicate thousands of hours of enforcement details from Nov. 13 through Nov. 29.

Additionally, the Illinois campaign is supported by a projected $600,000 in paid advertising.

Nationally, night time is the most dangerous time for safety belt use, according to NHTSA statistics.  During the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday, 67 percent of the 231 passenger vehicle occupant night time crashes were unbelted (based on known restraint use) while 40 percent of the fatalities from daytime crashes were not wearing safety belts.

When worn correctly, safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans.

IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety will focus on raising the night time safety belt compliance by challenging law enforcement agencies to hold 50 percent of enforcement at night.

Regular safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA.

Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.

In conjunction with the CIOT enforcement crackdown around the Thanksgiving holiday, Operation Save 100 officially began on Thursday, Nov. 12 and will run through the end of 2009.

During this eight-week enforcement campaign, more than 400 law enforcement agencies have been asked to enhance operations and provide weekly activity and crash reports.

The earned media campaign will consist of television and radio interviews, bi-weekly press releases, periodic news conferences and community activities statewide.

For more information, on the Click It or Ticket campaign or to download outreach materials for use in your community, please visit buckleupillinois.org.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Announces Click It or Ticket Enforcement Campaign This Thanksgiving Holiday | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

“The National Runaway Switchboard is a valuable resource for runaway and homeless youth and their families,” said Mike Lufrano, Cubs senior vice president, community affairs.

“The Cubs are proud to support National Runaway Switchboard and the work they do in our community. This is our fourth consecutive Thanksgiving together and we have seen first hand the impact it can make.”

National Runaway Switchboard’s mission is to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

The organization operates a national communication system for runaway and homeless youth through its 1-800-RUNAWAY crisis hotline and 1800RUNAWAY.org Web site.

Youth and family members call the hotline to work through problems and to find local agencies and organizations to help.

“November is National Runaway Prevention Month and this dinner provides National Runaway Switchboard the opportunity to educate area runaway and homeless youth about the help they can receive by calling 1-800-RUNAWAY,” said Maureen Blaha, National Runaway Switchboard executive director.

“And thanks to the Cubs, we’re able to let these youth know they’re not alone and help is available.”

The youth come to the dinner from local organizations including: The Night Ministry Open Door Shelter Lake View, The Night Ministry Open Door Shelter West Town, Center on Halsted, Teen Living Program/Belfort House, Heartland Alliance/Neon Street Program, Alternatives Inc., La Casa Norte, and Boys and Girls Town Shelter.

Several members of the Chicago Cubs front office staff and WGN’s Cubs television producer Bob Vorwald will volunteer at the event.

For more information on the event, contact the Cubs Community Affairs office at 773-404-CUBS or Joel Kessel of the National Runway Switchboard at 773-209-6125.

National Runaway Switchboard Statistics

National Runaway Switchboard is the national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Through its 1-800-RUNAWAY national crisis hotline, the organization handled 114,097 calls in 2008.

Out of all crisis calls National Runaway Switchboard handled throughout the country with youth in 2008, more than 50 percent were already on the street as a runaway, throwaway, or homeless youth.

And it is estimated that between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away in a year in the United States. The top reasons youth call are family dynamics (divorce, remarriage, problems with siblings) and abuse (substance, physical, sexual, neglect).

About National Runaway Switchboard

Established in 1971, National Runaway Switchboard serves as the federally designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.

Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, National Runaway Switchboard, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually-more than 3 million calls since the organization’s inception.

NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

More than 13,000 youth have been reunited with their families through National Runaway Switchboard’s Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc.

National Runaway Switchboard’s crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY.

For more information, visit 1800RUNAWAY.org.

Chicago Cubs, National Runaway Switchboard Host Holiday Dinner for Runaway and Homeless Youth | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation has teamed up with nine other advocacy partners in an unprecedented collaboration with “Kaleidoscope on Ice.”

The holiday entertainment variety special will feature the historic return to the ice of the legendary Scott Hamilton and Dorothy Hamill who will skate to the music of fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John and one of America’s foremost music producers David Foster.

This event and celebration that unites survivorship, sport and song debuts on Thanksgiving Day and will also include performances by Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic Silver Medalist Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic figure skating hopefuls Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.

“Kaleidoscope on Ice” is a program designed to recognize women and the key role they play in the battle against cancer – as patients, caregivers and advocates.

Its mission is to address issues surrounding women and cancer by helping educate women to be proactive about their health and by honoring all cancer survivors, including the more than 713,000 women who are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.

Mark your calendars for Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) 2009. Tune into FOX from 4:00-5:30 p.m. (EST) – immediately following the FOX Thanksgiving Day football telecast – to watch “Kaleidoscope on Ice.”

The 10 nationwide advocacy partners involved in this project include: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Breast Cancer Network of Strength (BCNS), C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3), Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA) and the Prevent Cancer Foundation (PCF).

For more information, visit the Kaleidoscope Web site.

Gynecologic Cancer Foundation Joins Kaleidoscope for Thanksgiving Day National Broadcast | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

Television will be transformed this Thanksgiving Day into a celebration of Skating, Song and Survivorship with the debut of “Kaleidoscope” – a holiday variety special featuring Olympic skating champions and GRAMMY Award-winning music artists.

The show will feature the historic return to the ice of the legendary Scott Hamilton in his first television performance since being diagnosed with a brain tumor five years ago. Hamilton and Dorothy Hamill will skate to the music of fellow cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John and one of America’s foremost music producers David Foster.

Also performing are Olympic Champion Kristi Yamaguchi, two-time Olympic Medalist Nancy Kerrigan and Olympic figure skating hopefuls Johnny Weir and Rachael Flatt.

“Kaleidoscope” from Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. will air nationally on FOX on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) 2009 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. (EST), immediately following the FOX Thanksgiving Day football telecast. Tickets for the 7pm Monday, November 16 taped performance at Verizon Center are on sale now.

“As a two-year cancer survivor, I am excited to be involved with ‘Kaleidoscope’ to help inspire women to take charge of their health and for cancer survivors to know that they are not alone in their journey,” said Hamill, regarding her return to the ice in several years. “This is a tremendous platform to help make a difference in healthcare issues affecting women.”

This year, “Kaleidoscope” is in part being presented by sanofi-aventis US a company committed to helping to improve the lives of patients. “We want to thank our advocacy partners, celebrity talent and supporters, especially sanofi-aventis, for helping us shine a light on the cancers that affect women while creating a platform to help them fight this disease,” said Mike Burg, CEO of Edge Health, the creator and executive producer of “Kaleidoscope.”

“Our goal in creating this health initiative is to move beyond just awareness of women’s cancers, but to empower women to take action with their health through a powerful event and important messages.”

“After losing my mother to cancer, and being in the hands of a tremendous team of women caregivers while I battled my own cancer, I have made it a personal mission to advocate for women and cancer. Coming back to the ice on television for the first time in five years for this initiative gives me a chance to pay tribute to my mother, thank the caregivers who were there for me, and honor all cancer survivors,” said Hamilton.

“Kaleidoscope” is a program designed to recognize women and the key role they play in the battle against cancer – as patients, caregivers, and advocates. Its mission is to address issues surrounding women and cancer by helping educate women to be proactive with their health and by honoring all cancer survivors, including the more than 713,000* women who are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States.

This effort is being supported by an unprecedented collaboration with 10 nationwide advocacy partners including: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Breast Cancer Network of Strength (BCNS), C3: Colorectal Cancer Coalition (C3), Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF), The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA) and the Prevent Cancer Foundation (PCF).

For more information about “Kaleidoscope” please visit womenandcancer.com.

“As a cancer survivor, I would not have missed the opportunity to perform in ‘Kaleidoscope,’ which is an amazing initiative that provides a unique opportunity to help women understand cancer and how to be prepared when dealing with their health. David [Foster] and I are looking forward to performing a very powerful and moving piece of music to honor cancer survivors and motivate women to be proactive in taking care of themselves,” said Newton-John.

Ticket Information: Tickets for “Kaleidoscope” sponsored by sanofi-aventis US at Verizon Center on Monday, Nov. 16 at 7pm are on sale now.

Tickets are available through all Ticketmaster outlets including the Verizon Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com or via Phonecharge at 202-397-SEAT, 703-573-SEAT or 410-547-SEAT. Accessible seating is available for patrons with disabilities by calling 202-661-5065.

For more information please visit verizoncenter.com.

About Edge Health

“Kaleidoscope” (the newest incarnation of “Frosted Pink”) is the creation of Mike Burg, CEO of Edge Health, LLC, who developed the program after twice winning the battle against Hodgkin’s disease.

Edge Health is a Charlotte, N.C.-based multi-media communications company that develops and delivers critical health-related messaging interwoven into entertainment platforms nationwide.

It is a sister company to Edge Entertainment, a marketing and production firm that specializes in entertainment and sports specials for broadcast, and Olympic sport arena tours.

The Edge broadcast portfolio includes the “Teen Choice Awards” on FOX, the “Kids Choice Awards” on Nickelodeon, “Ice Wars” on CBS, “Hope Rocks” on FOX, and the “Action Sports Awards” on FOX.

For more information, call 704-335-0051 or visit edgehealth.com.

* SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2006, National Cancer Institute.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lee Rothchild, 212-981-5124
Dan Klores Communications
lee_rothchild@dkcnews.com

Jenni Walker, 704-649-6571
My Team of Experts, Inc.
jennifer@myteamofexperts.com

Scott Hamilton and Dorothy Hamill Return to the Ice in Premier FOX Television Thanksgiving Day Event: Kaleidoscope | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.