Cure Autism Now and Union of Concerned Scientists Benefit

Los Angeles, Calif., October 15, 2003 - The second annual "Clothes Off Our Back" celebrity clothing auction officially came to a close, exceeding last year's total by raising $113,000 for charity. Led by Jane Kaczmarek ("Malcolm In The Middle") and Bradley Whitford ("The West Wing"), nearly forty celebrities donated their award show designer outfits and accessories to be put up for auction. The charities that benefited from the event were the Cure Autism Now Foundation and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

"The second year of the 'Clothes Off Our Back' was larger and even more successful than the first," said Jane Kaczmarek, co-creator of the "Clothes Off Our Back" and star of television's "Malcolm In The Middle." "We have established our cause as a Hollywood tradition and appreciate all of the generosity and goodwill that our fellow actors have contributed. Together we are making a difference in the lives of those searching for a cure for autism and protecting our environment."

"The amount of support and dedication that Jane and Bradley have contributed to Cure Autism Now since its inception has been overwhelmingly beneficial to thousands of people and families who live with autism everyday," said Jonathan Shestack, co-founder of the Cure Autism Now Foundation. "The 'Clothes Off Our Back' auction started as an idea and after two years, the event has such an amazing reach that in addition to raising funds for the Foundation, it has also educated the general public about our cause."

Jennifer Aniston's vintage Halston gown was the record breaking item for the second year in a row, earning $20,000. Other high-ticket items were Courteney Cox Arquette’s one of a kind Carolina Herrera gown which raised $5,101, Jennifer Garner's Narciso Rodriguez gown which raised $4,275 and Jane Kaczmarek's Ebel watch which raised $3,551.

"On every front environmental protections are being undermined and sound scientific evidence is being ignored, misrepresented, or suppressed," said Union of Concerned Scientists Executive Director Kevin Knobloch. "We are incredibly grateful to Jane, Bradley, and all the celebrities who participated in the 'Clothes Off Our Back' fundraiser for their support for our efforts to address these critical issues."

Celebrities who donated clothing for the auction include: Jennifer Aniston, Cate Blanchett, Wayne Brady, Stockard Channing, Michael Chiklis, Courteney Cox Arquette, Bryan Cranston, Larry David, Ellen DeGeneres, Edie Falco, Jorja Fox, James Gandolfini, Victor Garber, Jennifer Garner, Brad Garrett, Sean Hayes, Patricia Heaton, Dule Hill, David Hyde Pierce, Jane Kaczmarek, Beyonce Knowles, Jessica Lange, Bernie Mac, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, Conan O’Brien, Nancy O’Dell, Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Matthew Perry, Ray Romano, Jeri Ryan, David Schwimmer, Ryan Seacrest, Tony Shalhoub, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford and Sarah Wynter.

This year, the auction benefited Cure Autism Now, one of the largest private funders of autism research who accelerates the pace of scientific progress toward effective treatments and a cure; and Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit partnership of scientists and citizens combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical environmental solutions.

The "Clothes Off Our Back" charity auction showcases today's hottest television stars and Emmy nominees' designer award show formal wear. The items were put up for bid to the public – all in the name of charity.

For more information please contact:
Michel Schneider
Edelman
(323) 202-1054
michel.schneider@edelman.com
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