ADVISORY/Dylan McDermott to Receive Honors at 5th Annual Tourette Syndrome Association Awards Dinner; Children Living With Tourette Syndrome Receive Special Recognition.

City Desks & Entertainment Editors

ADVISORY...for Tuesday (Feb. 19)

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Feb. 12, 2002

Star-Studded Gala at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel

on February 19, 2002

The Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) announces the 5th annual TSA Awards Dinner which will honor one of Hollywood's most respected actors, Dylan McDermott ("The Practice"), and also present a special recognition for Children Living With Tourette Syndrome. The February 19th event, to be held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, is co-chaired by Jeffrey Kramer and Vikki Holm-Kramer, along with Ken and Julie Moelis.

The awards dinner is the largest West Coast fundraising activity for National TSA benefiting those living with the neurobiological disorder and supporting professionals involved in its treatment.

"Every year I am overwhelmed at the outpouring of support for this event which not only educates the community about this debilitating disorder but also works towards finding a cure. I have known Dylan for many years and we are fortunate to have such a talented honoree who supports and believes in our cause," says Jeffrey Kramer.

TSA Board Member Ken Moelis says, "This event is the culmination of a dream that combines our commitment to Tourette and our responsibility to our children and everyone touched by this life-altering syndrome. The children that are telling their personal stories at the event are being honored on behalf of all children affected by the disorder."

About the Honorees

TSA is proud to honor Dylan McDermott, the Golden Globe winning and Emmy Award nominated actor from "The Practice." He graduated from acting school at Fordham University in New York City and got his start on Broadway in Neil Simon's "Biloxi Blues." He went on to star in numerous film and television projects, such as "Miracle on 34th Street," "'Til There Was You" and "Ally McBeal." Off-screen he is committed to Choice Humanitarian, United Way and the Center for the Vulnerable Child. Dylan has performed voiceover work for TSA and has continually supported the annual awards dinner since its creation five years ago.

TSA also honors children living with Tourette Syndrome. Four young people will share what it is like to live with this disorder on a daily basis. Their stories will enlighten, educate and inspire others to seek greater understanding, and while their experience is personal, the messages are universal. They will accept the award on behalf of all children affected with Tourette Syndrome.

Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurobiological disorder that affects children and adults of both genders and of all racial and ethnic groups. TSA provides the highest level of education, research, and service to all affected by this life tormenting disorder and to the professionals who treat them.

Past honorees include David E. Kelley, Dr. Donald J. Cohen, John Lithgow, Susan Conners, Dr. Oliver Sacks, Richard Dreyfuss, Maury Povich and Cuba Gooding, Jr.

The 2002 TSA Awards Dinner -- held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel located at 9500 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills -- kicks off with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. For tickets to the dinner, plus information on making a contribution, contact plan A (310/860-1300). For press inquiries or media credentials, please contact Beverly Visty at dharmata (310/391-4462, [e-mail]).

Media RSVP is essential. Please e-mail or fax your request to cover event on company letterhead (include your name, title, publication, address, phone, fax and e-mail) to: 310/397-1661 or [e-mail].