ATLANTA – November 12, 2009 – Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) believes no true party is complete without music, and its 15^th Annual X-MAS Party will certainly deliver a line-up sure to blow the doors off The Tabernacle! On Friday, December 11, X-MAS Party is the place to be as Band X, Kathleen Bertrand and Ben Deignan “Rock the Earth” alongside CPF supporters, celebrities and an array of Atlanta “who’s who” to support CPF’s work of inspiring and educating children to live eco-friendly lives. Another very special musical surprise is being kept hush-hush but once it’s unveiled, X-MAS Party guests will remember it for a long time to come. Don’t miss a big rockin’ surprise!

Back for a second year at X-MAS Party is the high-energy Band X. They deliver powerful and dynamic music from the past five decades, including soul, rock, disco, dance classics, and today’s hottest pop music, which is why they are “the band of a thousand dances”. Comprised of 9 performers, Band X places you right in the middle of a spontaneous party. No two shows are alike and Band X combines virtuosity and showmanship while leaving a lasting impression so positive that you'll want to see them again and again. Their impressive client list includes Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Casino-Las Vegas, Xerox, IBM, Visa, HBO, The Starlight Foundation, The High Museum of Art, Hendon Properties and many more.

Native Atlantan and well-known recording artist, Kathleen Bertrand, specializes in genres ranging from contemporary jazz to spirited gospel music. Whether she is performing for a large audience or at a small, intimate venue, Bertrand’s music lifts spirits and presents a musical treat for the heart, mind, and soul. This three-octave artist’s performances have ranged from two Olympic Games to performances before two presidents, to appearances at jazz festivals world-wide. Bertrand toured and recorded as vocalist with jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers before settling down to raise her family. In 2002, she was honored to have sung for the inauguration of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, and to open for the legendary Ray Charles at the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s opening night at Chastain Park. In 2009, Bertrand was the featured entertainer at Hank Aaron’s birthday party.

Singer, songwriter and performer, Ben Deignan, is scheduled to perform his pop/rock soul infused style of music at this year’s festivities as well. Deignan was discovered by renowned Atlanta-based multi-platinum certified vocal coach Jan Smith, who has been responsible for developing the voices of Usher, Rob Thomas and Matchbox Twenty, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Keri Hilson, India.Arie, and Collective Soul. In 2008, Deignan set out on an extensive touring schedule with his band, playing shows with the likes of Collective Soul, Blues Traveler, Jon McLaughlin, Ryan Cabrera, and Taylor Hicks. Fans of the live shows include actress Katherine Heigl and her husband, singer/songwriter Josh Kelley. CPF is proud to showcase this rapidly rising star!

This year’s proceeds will not only continue to fund hands-on environmental projects for youth grades K-12 worldwide, but also provide monetary support for Captain Planet’s Learning Garden Program. This environment-based education initiative helps elementary school students learn core subjects through planting, maintaining, and harvesting a school garden. These gardens, especially in elementary schools, offer a creative path to learning and help students master science, math, social studies and language arts in a nontraditional setting. Those who attend the 2009 X-MAS Party will be able to experience and view a Captain Planet’s Learning Garden.

Tickets start at $150 for general admission and sponsorships begin at $1,000. For event, ticket, sponsorship or auction information, please visit www.xmasparty.org, email info@xmasparty.org or call the CPF office at 404-522-4270. Guests will enjoy a green carpet arrival, live music, an eco-chic fashion show, stellar silent and live auctions, and amazing cuisine. Clearly one of Atlanta’s most-anticipated parties, X-MAS Party will also feature special guest and Captain Planet and the Planeteers creator, Ted Turner, along with co-chairs Sacha Taylor and Laura Turner Seydel. Additionally, Ed Begley, Jr., will be on-hand to receive a Superhero for Earth award.

Presenting sponsors for X-MAS Party include: The Coca-Cola Company, Georgia Power, Jane Smith Turner Foundation and Pratt Industries. Earth sponsors include: BeyondZ, Publix GreenWise Markets, The Tabernacle, Ted’s Montana Grill and Turner Foundation, Inc.

About Captain Planet Foundation

In 1991, The Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) was created to support hands-on environmental projects for youth. CPF's objective is to encourage innovative projects that empower today's children as environmental stewards. CPF is committed to making a global impact with over 500 projects throughout the United States, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica and the US Virgin Islands. For more information, contact 404-522-4215 or visit our web site: www.captainplanetfdn.org.