Photo: Ros O’Gorman
The Business Wire
April 25, 2005 06:15 AM US Eastern Timezone
Celine Dion to Hold UNICEF Tsunami Fund Benefit with Mother’s Day Performance of A New Day…; Performance Is Expected to Raise One Million Dollars for Tsunami Disaster Relief
LAS VEGAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 25, 2005–Celine Dion will dedicate a special Mother’s Day performance of her Las Vegas show A New Day…, created by DRAGONE at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, to raise money for the victims of the Asian tsunami. Proceeds from the Sunday, May 8 show will go to UNICEF’s Tsunami Recovery Fund to help with relief and reconstruction efforts in the tsunami-affected region.
The evening’s event will be Chaired by Celine Dion with her husband Rene Angelil, and Co-Chaired by Caesars Palace President Mark Juliano with his wife Jacqueline Juliano, and AEG President and CEO Timothy J. Leiweke with his wife Bernadette Leiweke. Master of Ceremonies and Honorary Committee Member Larry King will host the evening’s activities.
Honorary Chairpersons President George H.W. Bush and President William Jefferson Clinton, along with some of the most respected VIPs and celebrities from the entertainment world and government, have endorsed this fundraising effort and lent their names in support. The Honorary Committee is comprised of the following individuals:
President George H.W. Bush
President William Jefferson Clinton
Stefanie Graf & Andre Agassi
Michael Douglas & Catherine Zeta-Jones
Linda Thompson & David Foster
Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman
Nevada Governor Kenny C. Guinn
George Hamilton
Sir Elton John
Wynonna Judd
Larry & Shawn King
Bette Midler
Kathleen & Wayne Newton
Shaquille O’Neal
Barbra Streisand
Dame Elizabeth Taylor
Cher
“Like everyone else in the world, I was devastated by the loss and suffering of the people of South Asia after the tsunami and decided we had to do something to make sure help and awareness would continue for a long time to come,” said Celine Dion. “Our goal is to raise one million dollars but we’re hoping to go far beyond that since all the money is going to UNICEF to help these people get their lives back. It’s going to be a very special night, for a great cause, and the support we’ve been getting from our sponsors and the fans has been amazing.”
Regularly priced tickets are on sale now for the Sunday, May 8 performance by calling 1-877-4-CELINE. In addition, funds are being raised through sponsorship packages, a special commemorative program book, collection boxes in The Colosseum and a silent auction preceding the show. The auction will include items such as a private dinner with Celine Dion and Rene Angelil prepared by their personal chef, and a pair of front-row tickets and a meet and greet with Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld during one of their upcoming engagements at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Details on sponsorship opportunities can be found at http://info.aeglive.com/celine or by calling 1-866-678-3466.
“It’s heartwarming that world-renowned artists, distinguished political leaders and top corporations have so enthusiastically joined Celine and Rene in this important fundraiser,” said Mark Juliano, president of Caesars Palace. “On May 8, the Caesars Palace Colosseum will echo with applause and cheers that will bring hope to people who desperately need to know that the world is committed to help them rebuild their lives.”
“With each performance of A New Day…, Celine brings joy, inspiration and a touch of hope to her audience,” said Timothy J. Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG. “The May 8 performance will allow her to reach beyond those that fill The Colosseum every night and touch the lives of those who are most in need of these gifts right now.”
“Mothers and children have been central to UNICEF’s mission for the past 60 years. On this Mother’s Day, it is especially poignant that Ms. Dion has chosen to use the spotlight afforded to her to speak out on behalf of all mothers, everywhere, who want the best for their children – a simple message we can all embrace, wherever we live,” said Charles J. Lyons, President, U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “We are grateful to Ms. Dion for helping to maintain public attention to the needs of those affected by the tsunami – it is crucial that awareness and support continue for the long-term rebuilding and rehabilitation phases.”
UNICEF has a strong presence in the regions worst affected by the tsunami, making it especially well positioned to provide urgent and sustainable help when the disaster struck. Working with governments, other UN agencies and the broader relief community, UNICEF’s work has focused on four chief areas: child survival, family reunification, child protection and getting schools up and running.
ABOUT UNICEF
Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children around the world through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.
ABOUT A NEW DAY…
A New Day… is produced by AEG Live and is performed at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. The show’s engagement continues until the end of 2007. Tickets are available now for performances through July.
