ADVISORY/Hands Around the World Benefit Delivers Relief Supplies, Medical Supplies, School Supplies, Clothing to Afghanistan.

Assignment Editors

ADVISORY...for Saturday (Feb. 22)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT:   The Afghanistan Relief Organization (ARO), a California-
        based humanitarian organization, hosts HANDS AROUND THE WORLD
        dinner benefit Saturday, Feb. 22. HANDS AROUND THE WORLD will
        feature live world music, a taste of delicious Afghan and
        international cuisines, a showcase of traditional Afghan
        fashions and a silent auction with handcrafted rugs and jewelry
        from Afghanistan. Proceeds pay for shipping of relief supplies
        to Afghanistan.

WHO:    Afghanistan Relief Organization (ARO), a registered
        non-profit, nonpolitical, humanitarian organization, based in
        Southern California. The ARO's mission is to bring relief
        aid and school supplies to Afghanistan. The ARO is an
        all-volunteer group, comprised of Afghan Americans and
        Americans of all backgrounds and faiths, with no paid staff.
        See www.afghanrelief.com.

WHEN:   Saturday, Feb. 22
        7 p.m. - 1 a.m.

WHERE:  Anaheim Plaza Hotel (next to Disneyland)
        1700 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, Calif. 92802

PHOTO
OP:     Traditional Afghan fashions. International selection of
        musicians (Afghan, Indian, Spanish, Japanese, American).
        Traditional Afghan dance, the Atan, performed. Handmade rugs,
        jewelry and handcrafts from Afghanistan in silent auction. See
        www.afghanrelief.com for photos.

WHY:    HANDS AROUND THE WORLD proceeds allow the ARO to ship
        critically needed medical, clothing and school supplies to
        Afghanistan. The relief supplies will be sent on a two-month
        journey from Los Angeles to Kabul, via ocean containers. The
        ARO volunteers will meet the supplies in Kabul in early April
        and personally distribute supplies after conducting needs
        surveys in villages, schools and medical facilities.