For Immediate Release Kim Spence, AWRT SoCal Chapter Public Relations Director 310.463.4201 Laura Behrman, AWRT SoCal Chapter President 818-569-3148

MEDIA ALERT: Celebrity and Media Volunteer Day
at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank

October 21, 2009

One out of every eight people in Los Angeles County is at risk of hunger.

WHO: Jennifer Love Hewitt, celebrities, media, and members of the American Women in Radio & Television Southern California Chapter

WHAT: Los Angeles Regional Foodbank's "Season for Sharing" Celebrity & Media Volunteer Day

WHEN: Saturday, November 14, 2009, 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: 1734 E 41st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058

WHY: To create awareness that there is a growing need for volunteers and donations at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank this Holiday Season.

Burbank, CA (Wednesday, October 21, 2009) - No matter who you talk to these days, everyone seems to know a friend, relative, or an associate that has recently lost their job due to the volatile U.S. economic climate. As a result of increasing unemployment, this holiday season there is a growing demand for volunteers and donations at charitable organizations nationwide.

Celebrity co-host Jennifer Love Hewitt joins American Women in Radio & Television's Southern California (AWRT SoCal) Chapter to kick off the "Season for Sharing" at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank on Saturday, November 14 starting at 8:45 a.m. Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt (Ghost Whisperer) along with local celebrities, members of AWRT SoCal, and the media will gather to assemble and ready food packages at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank for distribution to the community.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer and raise awareness for a very worthy cause," states Laura Behrman, AWRT SoCal President. "Due to the recession, the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank has encountered increasing demands and we want to encourage everyone this holiday season to volunteer and donate what you can to help others in need.

" In September California's unemployment reached a staggering 12.2 percent, exceeding the national U.S. unemployment rate of 9.8 percent, and leaving many California families in need. Based on recent figures released in October by the Employment Development Department, the number of people unemployed in California in September 2009 was 2,247,000, up 799,000 compared with September of last year. With more and more families losing their incomes, their homes, and their ability to provide the basic necessities for their children, charitable organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank are facing major increases in demand.

The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, which distributes food to 544 charitable agencies providing service from 902 agency sites throughout Los Angeles County, has increased volume by 41%, the equivalent of 5 million meals, year to date compared to last year to meet the demand; however, there still remains a gap between the overall demand for food assistance and the supply of food.

"The demand for food assistance has reached record proportions in Los Angeles County," said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. "As a result of state budget cuts and rising unemployment rates, hunger is becoming a more critical problem. We are actively recruiting new pantry locations to increase distribution and are seeking help from the community through donations and volunteering."

To learn how you can help or to donate to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, please visit http://www.lafoodbank.org. For more information, visit www.awrtsocal.org or email info@awrtsocal.org.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL FOODBANK: The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1973 and is one of the largest food banks in the United States. Through a network of over 540 charitable agencies with more than 900 sites, the Foodbank supplies enough food for over 700,000 meals each week in Los Angeles County. The Foodbank is affiliated with Feeding America. For more information, visit http://www.lafoodbank.org.

Contact:

About American Women in Radio & Television, Southern California Chapter:
The Southern California Chapter of American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT SoCal) is a non-profit membership organization for women and men who work in the electronic media and allied fields in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura counties. The Southern California Chapter of AWRT offers numerous local benefits to its members, including networking events, educational programs, community outreach, and career counseling. AWRT SoCal works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community it serves. (www.awrtsocal.org)

About AWRT SoCal Genii Awards:
For over 50 years, AWRT's Southern California Chapter has presented the highest honor AWRT SoCal bestows in the name of Chapter Founder, Jeanne Gray McDonald.

Genii honorees are recognized for their pioneering efforts, dedicated leadership, commitment to quality and excellence, and their community contributions. Saluting the notable achievements of excellence by individuals in the broadcasting industry, the Genii Awards benefit AWRT SoCal's scholarship fund, and educational programs.

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