Hollywood Stars Set to Raise Funds To Protect Environment in Banff

December 19, 2007 - Leslie Nielsen, Kelsey Grammer, Daryl Hannah, Jason Priestley, Josie Bissett and several more Hollywood stars have added their names to attend The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational January 17-20, 2008.

The latest roster will join many other stars of film and television already committed to ski the spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains at Sunshine Village while enjoying the luxurious hospitality of the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Sports Invitational - in support of leading North American environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s and his Waterkeeper Alliance - will be co-hosted by Kennedy, Tim Robbins, Christie Brinkley, and Alec Baldwin.

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 2008 event is attracting many Canadians, including Naked Gun star Nielsen and Priestley, who rose to fame in Beverly Hills 90210, Margaret Trudeau and her son Justin.

With Grammer, a five-time Emmy Award winning actor renowned for his role as Frasier and star of the new hit comedy Back to You, and Hannah, most recently in Kill Bill, also planning to attend, the 2008 environmental fundraising event is shaping up to be the best ever.

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 & 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, Jason Priestley and Martin Sheen.

"The Fairmont Banff Springs is pleased to welcome back this remarkable event, and honored to showcase the Canadian Rockies to the Who's Who of the entertainment industry," 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. This year's event is shaping up to be the most spectacular we have ever hosted," 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 snow conditions, everyone - both new and returning friends - 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 event are available through The Fairmont Banff Springs by calling (403) 760-1400.