Hollywood Stars To Support Environment in Banff

BANFF, Alberta (October xx, 2007) – Hollywood’s top stars will gather next January 17-20, 2008 to protect North American waterways while skiing the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains at Sunshine Village and enjoying the luxurious hospitality of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational -- in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Waterkeeper Alliance – will be co-hosted by leading North American environmentalist, Tim Robbins, Christie Brinkley and Alec Baldwin, with more well-known stars expected to soon join the organizing committee.

Earlier this year, the made-for television extravaganza raised more than $1 million for the Waterkeepers, as the gala event was expanded to support the landmark environmental organization’s water protection efforts in both Canada and the United States.

 The event will culminate with a gala dinner and concert at The Fairmont Banff Springs by Michael McDonald, the former Doobie Brother and Steely Dan vocalist now enjoying a strong solo career. Tickets are available for the star-studded gala, the only open to the public event at the famed Banff National Park hotel.

The stars will also spend two action-packed days skiing and competing in fun events at the famous Sunshine Village Ski And Snowboard Resort. Activities including toboggan, cross-country skiing and dual giant slalom races are well within public view to lift ticket purchasers.

The names of other participants will be announced as the event draws closer. The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational, which has raised millions of dollars for environmental protection in recent years, has in the past drawn such Hollywood A-list stars as Glenn Close, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Meg Ryan, Dan Aykroyd, Justin Priestley and Martin Sheen.

“The Fairmont Banff Springs is pleased to welcome back this fabulous event,” said David Roberts, Regional Vice-President and General Manager of The Fairmont Banff Springs.  “The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational not only provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our hotel but presents the opportunity to showcase what Banff National Park has to offer visitors looking for an authentic winter vacation experience.”

“With our strong record of environmental stewardship, Sunshine Village is honored to host Hollywood as significant funds are raised to protect North American waterways through the leading environmental organization Mr. Kennedy founded and leads,” said Ralph Scurfield, President, Sunshine Village, which last year won the North American ski industry’s top environmental award for water conservation. “With our world renowned all natural snow conditions, everyone will also have a great time skiing one of the most beautiful places on earth.”

Gala tickets for this year’s event are $500 CDN per person plus applicable taxes and the purchase of a gold table is $10,000 CDN plus applicable taxes. The purchase of a gold table accommodates eight guests and a celebrity and their companion for a total of 10 people. Tickets for this year’s invitational are available through The Fairmont Banff Springs by calling (403) 760-1400.

With four mountains, five high-speed quads, several other lifts, an on-hill hotel, and Canada's best all-natural snow, Sunshine Village is a premiere North American ski resort. Visit www.SkiBanff.com