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Thursday November 19, 2009

Release Date: 11.19.09 | Location: All Metro Atlanta | Organization: Captain Planet Foundation

Environmental Advocates to Receive Superhero for Earth Award at Captain Planet Foundation's X-MAS Party

Fundraiser to Benefit Children and the Environment on Friday, December 11

ATLANTA - November 19, 2009 - Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) will undoubtedly "Rock the Earth" at its 15^th Annual X-MAS Party on Friday, December 11 at The Tabernacle. As one of Atlanta's most-anticipated annual events, X-MAS Party will not only feature the one and only eco-hero himself, Captain Planet, but he will be joined by several other local and national "superheroes." Five astounding individuals, including Ed Begley Jr., Ovie Mughelli, ‘Lil Peppi, Jerry Hightower, and Catherine Padgett, are all scheduled to receive the 2009 "Superhero for Earth" award, honoring their efforts to preserve and protect the planet. Award recipients will be honored with a plaque featuring a rare, first edition copy of Captain Planet's inaugural comic book, entitled "A Hero for Earth".

Ed Begley, Jr., environmentalist, Emmy-nominated actor, author, and host of "Living with Ed" on Discovery's Planet Green Network, has been considered an environmental leader in the Hollywood community for over 30 years. He currently serves on the boards for the Environmental Media Association, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Thoreau Institute, the Earth Communications Office, Tree People and Friends of the Earth, among many others. His work in the environmental community has earned him recognitions from some of the most prestigious environmental groups in the nation, including the California League of Conservation Voters, the Natural Resources Defense Council, The Coalition for Clean Air, Heal the Bay and the Santa Monica Baykeeper.

Atlanta Falcons fullback, Ovie Mughelli, is the founder of The Ovie Mughelli Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the development of youth socially, mentally, and physically through environmental education. The foundation implements eco-friendly programs, such as the Ovie Mughelli Foundation Free Football Clinic where children are taught the importance of healthy habits and environmental awareness in the Charleston, South Carolina area. Mughelli's commitment to his community has earned him a number of recognitions, including the 2007 Falcons Man of the Year Award, the key to North Charleston in 2006 and the "Unsung Hero" Award in Maryland.

Cardell Hopkins, better known as ‘Lil Peppi, is spreading his positive, eco-friendly messages to the world via YouTube. As a 10-year old boy living in Tampa, Florida, ‘Lil Peppi has performed for large audiences across the nation during the Earth Day Kids Fest in Atlanta, Kaleidoscope Festival in Ballast Point and as a host for Whole Foods Market's during a six-part environmental series, "Whole Earth Generation," on the company's YouTube site. His music integrates child-appropriate lyrics with positive messages and unique topics regarding the environment, such as "Melting Ice" and "Mother Nature's Crying". ‘Lil Peppi is truly a young leader of environmental awareness for the masses.

Jerry Hightower, National Forestry Park Ranger and Environmental Education Coordinator for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, has looked over the river for more than three decades. As an advocate for environmental safety, Hightower researches all aspects of the park and preserves the park property for all of the residents and guests in the community. Hightower is an activist for environmental safety and awareness in the North Georgia community.

Ford Elementary School teacher and Environmental Educator, Catherine Padgett, has a true passion for educating the youth of Atlanta on matters of the environment. Padgett began the Environmental Program in Northwest Cobb County in 1995, with nothing more than a 4'x4' raised garden bed. Fifteen years later, the outside classroom and school garden program has grown to include every class at the school and major additions to the grounds, including a Children's Garden, individually raised classroom beds, a Nature Trail, and a Native Tree Arboretum. Padgett has also been honored with an award by the Atlanta- Journal Constitution for her efforts.

Proceeds from X-MAS Party support CPF's mission to fund and support hands-on environmental projects for youth grades K-12 worldwide. This year's continued focus is on Captain Planet's Learning Garden Program, an environment-based education initiative that helps elementary students learn core subjects through planting, maintaining, and harvesting a school garden. The pilot program launched in Cobb County Public Schools this fall and will continue to expand through the county, then around the Atlanta area, and eventually nationwide. Those who attend the 2009 X-MAS Party will be able to experience and view a Captain Planet's Learning Garden.

Individual tickets start at $150 for general admission and corporate 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. As Atlanta's largest environmental fundraiser, guests will enjoy a green carpet arrival, live music from Band X and others, an eco-chic fashion show, a stellar silent and live auction, and amazing cuisine.

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.