STAR-STUDDED CAST INCLUDING ACTORS TIM MATHESON, SHARON LAWRENCE TO BE HONORED WITH “SPIRIT OF YOUTH” AWARD FROM NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD
Annual Benefit to Help Runaway, At-Risk Youth, Families,
Kicks Off National Runaway Prevention Month
CHICAGO (October 5, 2006) – Actors Tim Matheson and Sharon Lawrence, will be among those honored with the 2006 “Spirit of Youth” award from the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS) recognizing their work and dedication for helping America’s youth. NRS will present the distinguished award at its annual benefit, Spirit of Youth: A 35th Anniversary Celebration, Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, in Chicago.
This past March, Matheson co-starred with Lawrence in the Lifetime Original Movie, Augusta, Gone, the true story – based on the best-selling book – about a mother struggling to save her daughter from drugs, self-destruction and continuously running from home. The family was reunited after the daughter called NRS. The two actors filmed a public service announcement for NRS promoting its national crisis hotline – 1-800-RUNAWAY – which aired at the conclusion of Augusta, Gone, and was seen by millions of viewers throughout the country.
“Tim Matheson’s and Sharon Lawrence’s tireless work for youth has helped NRS reach millions of runaway and at-risk youth and their families throughout the country,” said Maureen Blaha, NRS executive director. “Their efforts to improve the lives of today’s youth are making a difference and support our mission of helping to keep America’s runaway and at-risk youth safe and off the streets.”
Other 2006 “Spirit of Youth” awardees include Martha Tod Dudman and Georgia Howland (Augusta), the author and real-life mother and daughter the book is based on; Laurie Goldstein, producer of the movie Augusta, Gone; Lifetime Television; and the Family and Youth Services Bureau of the United States Department of Health & Human Services.
Past Spirit of Youth award recipients have included Christie Hefner, CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Greyhound Bus Lines, Inc., Judge Julian and Rhona Frazin, and Alex Kotlowitz, author of There are No Children Here and The Other Side of the River.
Matheson’s career includes numerous film and television acting roles such as the voice of “Jonny Quest” and various other Hanna-Barbera cartoon characters, “Eric ‘Otter’ Stratton” in National Lampoon’s “Animal House,” and Vice President John Hoynes in NBC’s drama series “The West Wing,” for which he earned two Emmy nominations. In addition to performing, Matheson is an accomplished director and producer. He directed an episode of NBC’s “West Wing” during its final season.
Lawrence’s acting career includes television, feature film and Broadway. She received a Screen Actor's Guild Award and three Emmy nominations for her role as Sylvia Costas on "NYPD Blue," and has appeared in numerous hit series including "Desperate Housewives," "Boston Legal" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
Spirit of Youth raises funds for programs and services that benefit runaway and at-risk youth and their families throughout the country. The event will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, a live and silent auction, raffle, and the Spirit of Youth award presentation. Steve Baskerville of WBBM-TV, CBS Channel 2, Chicago, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, and Leslie Byers & the Jazz Cats will provide the entertainment. Cost is $125 per ticket, $1,250 per individual table of ten guests.
National Runaway Prevention Month: November
The annual NRS Spirit of Youth benefit officially kicks off National Runaway Prevention Month, a public education campaign sponsored by NRS and the National Network for Youth (NNY), to raise awareness of youth runaway issues, and to educate Americans about solutions that help prevent youth from running away.
An extensive network of community-based organizations across the nation are undertaking activities throughout November to make youth, families, and community members aware of resources in their areas that support youth and families in crisis situations.
About the National Runaway Switchboard:
The National Runaway Switchboard, established in 1971, serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth. Recognized as the oldest hotline of its kind in the world, NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, has handled more than 3 million calls in its 35-year history and handles an average of 100,000 calls annually. NRS 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. Over 10,000 youth have been reunited with their families through NRS’ Home Free program done in collaboration with Greyhound Lines, Inc. The NRS crisis hotline is 1-800-RUNAWAY. For more information, visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org.
# # #
Contact:
Joel Kessel
For the National Runaway Switchboard
(773) 929-6805
jkessel@1800RUNAWAY.org
