The Marcus Institute presents the inaugural “Kids Helping Kids: A Talent Show” on August 9, 2008, at 2:00 pm, at The Westminster Schools. This event, which will feature the finalists after a month of preliminary eliminations, will be hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, nationally syndicated radio host of The Foxworthy Countdown, star and executive producer of the successful Blue Collar Comedy Tour franchise, TNN’s “Comedian of the Year” for three years running, multiple Grammy Award nominee, and best-selling author of 11 books.

An outstanding group of judges have been pulled together from a variety of performance and art-related backgrounds including Atlanta native Jan Smith, Vocal Producer and Coach for over twenty years with a client roster that includes Usher, matchbox twenty, Sugarland. Also joining our panel of judges is recording artist Sarah Peacock, Atlanta resident and native. Sarah releases her debut CD entitled "Straight for Your Heart" in August of 2008. She was recently seen on CBS Channel 46 performing "Georgia", a song from her upcoming CD.

The event will be chaired by Shay Bentley-Griffin, three-time Emmy-nominated Casting Director and CEO of Chez Group, who has handled casting for over 200 television and film productions including major motion pictures We are Marshall, Remember the Titans, Sweet Home Alabama, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. When asked why she wanted to chair this talent show Shay pointed out, “I had the opportunity to cast talent for Miracle Run, a movie about a mother raising twins with Autism, and her fight against the social stigma of Autism in the US. That was a turning point for me. I became more aware about this disease and the needs of the families facing autism. When Jennifer McDonald told me about Kids Helping Kids and the important work The Marcus Institute was doing for children with autism, I knew immediately I wanted to be part of this very special event.”

Open auditions for all children between the ages of 4 to 18 will be held July 12 and July 16. Video auditions accepted and must be submitted by July 10. For audition information, application, and all event details visit our website via this link: http://www.marcus.org/news/events/2008/kids_helping.html

All participants will be recognized. There will be prizes for each age category winner.

Tickets for Kids Helping Kids are $15 for adults and $5 for children under the age of eighteen. The community is invited and encouraged to attend this event. See colorful event flyer in attachment below.

About The Marcus Institute
The Marcus Institute, an Atlanta based organization, is the only comprehensive treatment facility of its kind in the Southeast, and is a national leader in the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Institute treats over 3000 children a year including children from every school district and county in Georgia. Over 33,000 children have received services at The Marcus Institute. www.marcus.org.