Clooney, Cronkite and a host of celebrities auctioning dreams to benefit Martin Luther King III\'s foundation

Clooney, Cronkite and a host of celebrities auctioning dreams to benefit Martin Luther King III's foundation

(EMAILWIRE.COM, December 09, 2006 ) NEW YORK –– Celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment and public service will offer unique personal experiences or memorabilia in an auction to benefit Realizing the Dream, Inc., the charity overseen by Martin Luther King III, eldest son of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and co-founded by former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young. Imagine joining George Clooney at his Ocean’s 13 premiere, then being his guest at a private after party. That is one of close to 100 celebrity dreams that will be auctioned through Authentic Memorabilia LLC headquartered in Bethpage Long Island in collaboration with Geppi’s antiques and collectibles auction house, Morphy Auctions. The auction will roll out in waves beginning December 6, 2006 on www.authmem.com. Each successive Friday, additional dreams will be added to the auction roster. On December 21, 2006 the first 10 lots will culminate live at Morphy Auctions’ gallery in Denver, Pa. (60 miles northwest of Philadelphia). Bidders also may participate during the live auction by phone (call 516-393-4795 to reserve a line) or live via the Internet through www.ebayliveauctions.com in association with www.liveauctioneers.com. The first 10 dreams may be viewed online at www.morphyauctions.com, and starting Dec. 8, absentee bids may be phoned in to Morphy Auctions or lodged via the Internet through eBay Live Auctions. The 10 initial dreams are: 2006 Celebrity Auction Dream List Package 001 A private tour of the Yogi Berra Museum conducted by Yogi himself Package 002 Lunch with Walter Cronkite in New York Package 003 Join George Clooney at Ocean's 13 Movie Premiere and Private After Party Package 004 A private set tour with Michael and Mira Sorvino of their upcoming movie The Trouble With Cali. Also meet their father, Paul Sorvino, who directs and produces the film, and their sister, Amanda Sorvino, the screenwriter. Package 005 Jonathan Vilma will make a winning bidder his guest at a NY Jets Game and the Recipient of His Game Jersey. Package 006 An opportunity to Ring the Opening Bell at the New York Mercantile Exchange Package 007 NY Knicks-Luxury Suite, including 12 seats for an Awesome Knicks Game this 2205-2007 Season. This package include Food & Drinks with TV Commentators & Player Visits to the Luxury Suite. Package 008 NY Rangers-Luxury Suite, including 12 seats, for an Exciting Ranger Game this 2006-2007 season. This package includes Food & Drinks with TV Commentators & Player Visits to the Luxury Suite.Package 009 Meet and Greet with New York Met David Wright on the field Dream 010 Lunch with former UN Ambassador and Dr. King colleague Andrew Young“I am truly overwhelmed by the enormous response from celebrities all over the country,” said Mr. King. “With their help, the torch for justice, equality and community that my parents once held is uplifted. More important, their generous commitments in support of my quest to continue the work toward the elimination of poverty and suffering are a testament to my father’s belief in the Beloved Community.”Steve Geppi, president and CEO of Diamond International Galleries, parent company of Morphy Auctions, said, “I was pleased when my partner Spencer Lader, co-owner of the auction, invited us to donate use of our Web site for this fine cause. ‘Realizing the Dream’ is a perfect metaphor for those in the public eye, and this chance to help benefit this fine charity is an opportunity we welcome proudly.” Realizing the Dream, Inc., with headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making Dr. King’s dream a reality for all. Realizing the Dream seeks to continue the legacy and work of Dr. and Mrs. King in wiping out poverty and injustice through programs that foster peace and nonviolent social change, empowering poverty-stricken communities and developing strong leaders among the nation’s youth. Monies raised from the auction will be used directly to carry out these programs. Media inquiries: 917-592-1313

Catherine Watson

britamermedia@aol.com