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At an 11 a.m. news conference, Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director ofSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R), along with St. Jude patients willadd their brushstrokes to the canvas in an event that will help kick off theSt. Jude Thanks and Giving(R) campaign, which begins that day and runs throughthe holiday season.
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The 50-inch by 52-inch mural interpretation of the painting will be soldthrough an online auction. The timing and log-in information for the auctionwill be announced at Monday's news conference. The proceeds of the mural'ssale will go to St. Jude, the premier research and treatment center forchildren with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
Award-winning actress Marlo Thomas, daughter of late entertainer andhospital founder Danny Thomas, along with patients from St. Jude, cometogether with Fazzino and Chuck Imhof, American Airlines Vice President Sales- Greater New York, to unveil the original painting, along with the canvasmural in progress. The group will be invited by Fazzino to add theirbrushstrokes to the canvas. Those visiting Bryant Park will also have theopportunity to pick up paintbrushes and make their own artistic contributions.
"We are thrilled to partner with American Airlines once again for the St.Jude Thanks and Giving campaign," said Thomas. "The proceeds from the auctionof Charles Fazzino's wonderful canvas will help St. Jude fulfill its missionof saving the lives of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases."
"St. Jude does extraordinary work that benefits children throughout theworld who need their help," said American Airlines' Imhof. "It's great thatwe can once again show our support through the Thanks and Giving campaign andpresent this marvelous New York mural for auction today at Bryant Park tobenefit the lifesaving work that takes place everyday at St. Jude."
The Pond at Bryant Park, presented by Citi(R) and the Holiday Shops atBryant Park, is a winter celebration for New York that runs throughmid-January. It offers a 17,000 square-foot ice skating rink where visitorscan skate at no charge and an outdoor holiday market, which is aEuropean-style shopping village featuring gifts from some 100 unique retailersfrom around the world. American Airlines is The Pond's Official Airline, andthe airline maintains dedicated space within its Skaters Pavilion.
From Dec. 1 through Dec. 7, Charles Fazzino will also set up a temporaryexhibit of some of his more popular works inside the American AirlinesPavilion at The Pond. Visitors will have the opportunity to peruse thecollection and pick out their favorites to order for the holidays. Fazzinowill donate a portion of the proceeds from the week-long exhibit to St. Jude.
About American Airlines
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, AmericanEagle and the AmericanConnection(R) airlines serve 250 cities in over40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleetnumbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com,provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalizednews, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding memberof the oneworld(R) Alliance, which brings together some of the best andbiggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customersmore services and benefits than any airline can provide
