Bank of America, TUMS & Anne Klein Show Their Support For The AWRT Gracie Allen Awards.

Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--March 30, 2000

The Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) has announced that Private Bank of The Bank of America and TUMS have teamed up to underwrite the 25th Annual AWRT Gracie Allen Awards(TM) on April 17 at the Hudson Theater in New York City. Kasper/Anne Klein is also lending their support to the AWRT Gracies, as sponsors of the awards reception.

AWRT and TUMS joined forces last year in a nationwide effort to promote awareness and prevention of osteoporosis among women. SmithKline Beecham, the company that makes TUMS, decided to continue the partnership this year by sponsoring the AWRT Gracie Allen Awards.

"SmithKline Beecham is delighted to support the AWRT Gracie Awards in honoring and encouraging the positive portrayal of women in media. As one of the world's leading healthcare companies, and the makers of TUMS calcium, we are committed to enhancing the health and quality of life of women throughout all stages of their lives," said Linda Mullens, TUMS Brand Manager, SmithKline Beecham Consumer Healthcare.

Kathleen Brown, President of the Private Bank of Bank of America, will present an award at the ceremonies. She is an ideal example of the kind of achievements and commitments that the Gracie Allen Awards symbolize. As an expert in banking and investment management, one of the most recognized women in business in America, and former California state treasurer, Brown uses her strong voice to further the strides women are making in their personal, and collective quest for economic and political power.

"Businesses are learning, our politicians are discovering, and the women who are our voice in the media and entertainment are ensuring that we are a force to be reckoned with in the marketplace, at the ballot box and in the workplace," said Brown. "The Private Bank of Bank of America is proud to support the American Women in Radio and Television and all they do to move forward our collective dream -- the dream of being able to earn, spend, save, invest and contribute to benefit our families, our industries, our economy, and the communities where we live and work."

Kasper A.S.L./Anne Klein is sponsoring the AWRT Gracie Allen Awards Reception and providing wardrobes for several of the key participants. "As a company dedicated to the professional woman, Kasper/Anne Klein is proud to be affiliated with an organization that promotes equal employment and ownership opportunities for women," said Gregg I. Marks, president of Kasper A.S.L. "Like AWRT, Kasper and Anne Klein are committed to serving the community through the positive portrayal and development of women."

SmithKline Beecham -- one of the world's leading healthcare companies -- discovers, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines and health-related consumer products, and provides healthcare services including clinical laboratory testing and disease management. For company information, visit SmithKline Beecham on the World Wide Web at http://www.sb.com.

The Private Bank is the No. 1 ranked manager of assets for high net worth clients. It focuses on building and preserving the wealth of individuals and families, providing clients with investment expertise, personal trust services, tax and estate planning and other specialized financial advisory capabilities. Bank of America, with $633 billion in assets, is the largest bank in the United States, serving more than 30 million households and 2 million businesses.

Headquartered in New York City, Kasper A.S.L. is the largest ladies suit manufacturer in the world, with 1999 sales over $300 million. Kasper is publicly traded on the NASDAQ (KASP). The company sells its Kasper and Anne Klein Collections in more than 2,000 department and specialty stores in several countries. In addition, the company operates 66 Kasper retail stores and 25 Anne Klein stores throughout the U.S. Kasper brands include Anne Klein, Anne Klein Petite, A Line Anne Klein, A Line Anne Klein Petite, Anne Klein 2, Anne Klein Suits, Anne Klein 2 Suits, b.bennett, Kasper, Le Suit, Kasper Dress, Kasper & Co. Sportswear and Albert Nipon. For more information about Kasper, call [phone] or visit our web site at www.kasper.com.

The Gracie Allen Awards are the AWRT Foundation's means of honoring programming by women, for women and about women as well as outstanding individual achievements. Gracie Allen was a pioneer in radio and television whose spirit embodies these awards.

The Foundation of American Women in Radio & Television was the first professional broadcast education foundation. Created in 1960, the Foundation is the philanthropic arm of AWRT, and supports and promotes educational projects, public service campaigns, charitable programs and other activities.