LA Chapter News Releases 3/11/2000 Sixth Annual Red Cross Spirit Awards to Honor "JAG" LOS ANGELES -

Ten Southern California American Red Cross chapters will join together to host the sixth annual Red Cross Spirit Awards on Saturday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the Wilshire Grand Hotel (930 Wilshire Boulevard) in Los Angeles. The 2000 Red Cross Spirit Awards will honor the cast and creator of the hit Paramount Network Television series "JAG," which airs Tuesday nights at 8:00 PM on CBS. Combining all the visceral excitement of military conflict and all the suspense of a criminal investigation in one action-packed hour of dramatic television, "JAG" is being honored for its positive portrayal of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. The series frequently incorporates poignant subject matter such as the passing of military personnel, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, incidents of sexual harassment, etc. The cast of "JAG" includes David James Elliott as Commander Harmon "Harm" Rabb, Jr., Catherine Bell as Lieutenant Colonel Sarah "Mac" Mackenzie, John M. Jackson as Admiral A.J. Chegwidden and Patrick Labyorteaux as Lieutenant Bud Roberts. Series Creator/Executive Producer Donald P. Bellisario comments, "As a former Marine, I highly respect the impressive network of wartime assistance and peacetime support provided by the American Red Cross. I'm honored that "JAG" will be receiving the Red Cross Spirit Award." Entertainment for the evening will be provided by the world famous Drifters. Since their inception in the early 1 950s, they have scored with at least two #1 hits per year during their career. Today, the Drifters are appealing to all ages. Their crowd pleasing, high-energy stage show keeps them in the spotlight more than ever. This year's Red Cross Spirit Awards also will feature a Humanitarian Award that will be presented to Hydeia L. Broadbent for her commitment to teaching youth about HIV and AIDS awareness. Hydeia, who is 15, contracted HIV from her birth mother and has been living with AIDS since she was 5. Through the outreach of the Hydeia L. Broadbent Foundation, Hydeia has shared her message of hope and encouragement at numerous colleges and universities across the United States and appeared on such television shows as "Barbara Walters 20/20" "Oprah Winfrey Show," "Conversation with Magic" and "Billy Ray Cyrus National AIDS Day TV Special." Bruce Hensel, M D., an Emmy Award winning medical, health and science editor/reporter for NBC4's "Channel 4 News" will serve as emcee for the evening. In addition to his daily medical reports, he also hosts "4 Your Health," a local Emmy Award winning series of half-hour specials featuring the latest in medical breakthroughs, information and technology. Hensel will present awards to 16 local hospital heroes for their dedication to saving lives and relieving human suffering. These men and women have been nominated by their staff and peers for their outstanding contribution in the medical field. Special Humanitarian Recognition will be given to Bonnita Wirth, Ph.D., and Barbara Cienfuegos, L.C.S.W., American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Services volunteers. They will be recognized for their compassionate and caring counseling services for survivors and families of airline crashes, and in particular for their outstanding service in helping families and emergency workers cope with tragedy following the recent crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261. The Red Cross Spirit Awards will also feature a silent auction with exotic trips, Hollywood memorabilia (including a "JAG" Walk-On Role) and other items. This year, the Red Cross is proud to have partnered with Yahoo! Charity Auctions. Key items were available for online bidding during February, when the American Red Cross Spirit Awards was featured charity on Yahoo! Charity Auctions. The remaining silent auction items are listed online for review prior to bidding at the event at "JAG" is a Belisarius Production in association with Paramount Network Television. The Paramount Television Group is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc. "JAG" is a one-hour, dramatic adventure series that is currently filming its fifth season. The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. For further information, or to purchase tickets, call Trish Solomon at (213) 739-5267.