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SCOTTSDALE-BASED NONPROFIT TO DEBUT NATIONALLY TELEVISED CELEBRITY FETE HONORING FAMOUS PHILANTHROPISTS:
(GOLDEN KARMA AWARDS™ SHOW SETS STAGE FOR ANNUAL GALA IN ARIZONA; MISSION IS TO RALLY AUDIENCES TOWARD VOLUNTEERISM)

PHOENIX, Ariz. - (June 5, 2006) Look for the tell-tale red carpet and the anticipated entrances of glamorous attendees, while cameras snap and entertainment show hosts clamor for a brief word from each or any of the well-known faces alighting the scene unfolding at the Grand Coronado Ballroom at Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center December 2nd, 2006 - but it's not to recognize the most talked-about film or performance, and the honorees won't be asked who they're wearing. It's about those celebrities who channel their fame into creating a better world through their talent for giving.

The inaugural, nationally televised Golden Karma Awards show will include beautiful awards for honorees when it airs this holiday season. The point, according to Founding Director Annette Marino, is to craft a national platform that recognizes exceptional philanthropic efforts of celebrated figures in America, and to inspire millions of viewers across the country into taking action themselves.

"Someone talented and known to most people worldwide, such as Angelina Jolie, or a beloved longtime leading man such as Robert Redford, can have a profound influence by the examples they set. These are the some of the world's most successful talents, who have chosen to passionately pursue causes that touch their hearts. We want to round all of these examples up into an event that shows everyone: 'See? Here is how and why they do this, and you can try it too.' We want people to think how they can weave volunteerism, involvement and philanthropy into their own personal lives," Marino said. "Of course, we're not suggesting that most people have access to the same tools available to stars, but we want to highlight the honorees as mentors and inspirations."

The Honorees: Past and Future
Honorees also include greater Phoenix philanthropists in the award-winning line-up. In 2005, the first year of the Golden Karma program, seven honorees were selected to receive awards in the Celebrity Philanthropic category, and two were chosen in the Community Philanthropy category for metro Phoenix.

Celebrity honorees in 2005 included Muhammad Ali, for Parkinson's issues; Bob Barker, for Animal issues; Katie Couric, for Cancer issues; Angelina Jolie, for Humanitarian Aid; Paul Newman, for Children's issues; Robert Redford, for Environmental issues; and Harry Connick, Jr. for Hurricane Katrina Recovery. Locally, Jimmy Walker of Walker and Hebets and Susan Karis of Clear Channel Radio were honored for their philanthropic contributions in greater Phoenix.

Marino also plans to expand the awards program into major markets across the country. The nationally televised portion will remain in Phoenix, but she envisions Golden Karma committees in other major cities selecting honorees in the local community category to join the mix.

A Golden Karma Awards committee comprising national and local members will nominate, vote, and tap this year's honorees, including up to seven celebrities and two local community leaders.

"We're looking at several contenders for 2006 and weighing their contributions - it's hard, because there are many stars who use their high profiles to help important causes, but it comes down to how inspirational they are, their level of commitment and their effectiveness in calling attention to those causes," Marino said. "What's encouraging from a decision standpoint is that this program is annual, and therefore many personalities and community leaders will have a chance to become a Golden Karma honoree now or in the years ahead."

Golden Karma Awards - Event to Spotlight Valley as Host Destination
The upcoming event is a program produced by Success for Good, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit started by Marino to strengthen the nonprofit sector. Four key executive producers will run the show: Marino, the show's creator; Janice Montana, a Broadway theatrical producer; Rita Tateel, owner of Hollywood talent firm Celebrity Source; and Al Molina, owner of Molina Fine Jewelers in Phoenix. Several local and national sponsors will support the event, including Rowland Luxury Homes, Clear Channel Radio, Sleep America, BMW North Scottsdale, Blacktie-Arizona and more. All proceeds will benefit community nonprofits and the charities that are suggested by the honorees.

The event schedule starts at 9 am at the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center with an Honoree Q&A Session, taped in front of a live audience of ticket holders. Interviews will take place between each honoree and a local news anchor or nationally known host. In the evening, a Pre-Event Reception will be followed by an Awards Dinner, emceed by local news anchors recognizing sponsors, community leaders, committee members and staff. These emcees will pass the show to the selected national level host for the taping of the Awards Show beginning at 8 p.m.

Emceed by a national personality, up to seven awards will be presented to honorees by national and local community leaders. The show will feature spotlight videos about each honoree's chosen charity or cause.

A press party follows the awards show, where media will hold interviews with honorees and VIP guests. An after-party for honorees and VIP guests will be held in a special area for socializing and relaxation to cap off the evening. www.goldenkarmaawards.org.

About the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center-Location for National Production
The AAA Four Diamond property is a luxury desert vacation retreat, and a firm believer that active corporate citizenship can make a valuable contribution to our community. Visit www.thescottsdaleresort.com.