Actor and Comedian Tom Arnold Joins Special Needs Children For The ``Best Holiday Show Period!''; ``At Risk'' Youths Give Back to the Community With Holiday Style.

News, Lifestyle & Entertainment Editors

CULVER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 11, 2002

Actor, comedian, and host of "Best Damn Sports Show Period" Tom Arnold yesterday joined a group of "at risk" children from the Kayne-Eras Center to perform a special holiday program for the elderly. Held at the Marina Care Center in Culver City, the program included musical, dance and dramatic performances by the children -- talents they developed through the center's enrichment program.

"The holidays are a time of giving and there is no group of children who recognize this more than our students," said Daniel Maydeck, CEO of the Kayne-Eras Center. "They realize that without the generous support of the community, they would not have the kind of special educational programs and counseling that have made a difference in their lives."

A dramatic monologue, poem and musical recitals, an original rap of "I Believe I Can Fly," and a B2K rendition of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" were highlights of the program.

The event was part of the Milken Family Foundation Festival for Youth, a community service program designed to teach young people, including those residing in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and those with special needs, that everyone can help improve the communities in which they live.

"Nearly 6 out of 10 youths in the Los Angeles area are classified as `at risk,' either because of disabilities or negative living circumstances. And these are the kids that often get left behind in the public school systems," said Tom Arnold, who was an "at risk" youth himself. "Schools like the Kayne-Eras Center can provide these kids with the educational resources and services that will make a positive impact on their lives."

Since its inception in 1980, the Kayne-Eras Center has empowered over 75,000 children from "at risk" conditions to have faith in their ability to contribute and succeed in society. The Center, with its new $8-million, 38,000-square-foot facility in Culver City and satellite campus in Santa Monica, provides intensive, individually designed programs to 350 children and young adults challenged by learning, developmental or medical disabilities each year. The Center's staff of over 180 professionals includes special education instructors, counselors, tutors and support personnel who offer diagnostic testing, counseling, vocational training, behavior intervention, education and speech therapy as well as independent living for developmentally delayed young adults in a group home setting. For more information about the Center, please contact Laura Fuhrman, director of development, at 310/737-9393, extension 407.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Print and electronic photos of the event are available upon request. Call 818/386-1916 or email request to [e-mail].