Pheonix Foundation for Children to Announce 2001 Champions of Children Honorees On May 24th at The Harriet Theater in City Place.

News & Business Editors/Entertainment Writers

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 2, 2001

International, American, Local and Sports Icons to be Honored

During `Champions of Children' Weekend, November 1-5, 2001

The Pheonix Foundation for Children, a local non-profit organization dedicated to "Making a Difference in the Lives of Children," today announced that it is holding a special Announcement Party to name this year's Champions of Children honorees.

"The Announcement Party will be held on Thursday, May 24th, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Harriet Theater in West Palm Beach," said Thomas D. Abrams, Founder of the Pheonix Foundation for Children.

Previous Champions of Children honorees were boxing greats Muhammad Ali and Angelo Dundee in 1998; Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and hockey great Mario Lemieux in 1999; and Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino and local philanthropist Lois Pope last year.

According to Mr. Abrams, the identity of the 2001 Champions of Children will be revealed on May 24th. This year's honorees include:

-- International Icon: A world leader of historic importance, one of the most
influential statesmen of the last half century.

-- American Icon: A major TV personality and his wife, longtime activists who
turned personal sorrow into a triumphant crusade.

-- Sports Icon: One of the most recognized and respected figures in sports, an
incredible record-holder who is beloved by both fellow players and fans.

-- Local Icon: One of Florida's most prominent executives and his wife, both
actively involved in improving the quality of life for children of all ages.

With live entertainment provided by Hot Brass Monkey, which bills itself as a nine-primate band, the May 24th Announcement Party will also unveil all of the fun-filled elements of the Pheonix Foundation's Champions of Children Weekend (November 1-5), which will include:

-- A Celebrity Party at The Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach

-- The Legends of Rock Party at The Harriet Theater

-- The Blue Marlin-Sailfish Challenge

-- The Justin Bell GT Racing Experience at Moroso Motorsports Park

-- The Braman Motorcars Celebrity Golf Tournament at The Medalist

Golf Club hosted by Greg Norman

-- A Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show featuring the "Spring

Collection" from SAKS Fifth Avenue

-- The Champions of Children Award Gala at The Breakers Hotel on

November 4th, at which all of this year's honorees are expected to

be present

Most importantly, the Pheonix Foundation for Children distributes 100% of the Champion Sponsorships to children's charities. All administrative costs for the Pheonix Foundation are personally covered by Mr. Abrams and his financial company.

"After our last Champions of Children Weekend, the Pheonix Foundation donated more than $500,000 to 37 local organizations. Among the recipients were Best Buddies, the Dan Marino Foundation, the Florence Fuller Child Development Center, The ARC of Martin County, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the South Florida Blood Bank Foundation," said Mr. Abrams.

The Pheonix Foundation for Children is proud to have a number of prestigious corporate sponsors, including Tiffany & Company - Palm Beach, Audio Advisors, the Ale House Restaurants, Bankers Trust Private Banking/Deutsche Bank Group, South Florida Blood Banks, Clear Channel Broadcasting, Braman Motorcars, William Thies & Sons, Triumph Sports, Moroso Motorsports Park, ThunderHead Productions, Partners Consulting Group, Varga Art Crystal and SAKS Fifth Avenue - Palm Beach.

The Pheonix Foundation for Children is a local, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to "Making a Difference in the Lives of Children." Its mission is to support charities that assist children who are abused, neglected or suffering from life threatening illnesses.