May 14, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Caroline Carver
Director, Media & PR
(760) 583-1042
caroline.carver@philanthroproductions.org

PHILANTHRO PRODUCTIONS AND 826LA TEAM UP AT DJ AM’S LAX NIGHTCLUB TO FURTHER EDUCATION AND LITERACY AMONG LA YOUTH

Philanthro Productions will Take LA’s Young Adults to the Future and Back Again on June 5

LOS ANGELES (May 14, 2009) – Philanthro Productions, a non-profit that creates unique opportunities for young adults to engage in charitable giving, announced a new partnership today with 826LA, a non-profit dedicated to supporting students and teachers in the development of creative and expository writing skills through tutoring, workshops, help for English language learners, and student publication assistance. Philanthro Productions will host a blow-out event to kick off the summer season, with proceeds going to 826LA. A benefit party entitled RW/FF: Rewind. Fast Forward. will be held on Friday, June 5, at DJ AM’s LAX Nightclub in Hollywood, Calif.

To date, Philanthro Productions has engaged thousands of young adults and donated over $100,000 to its partner charities, achieving an impressive donation rate of 93% of event proceeds last year. Philanthro has set the bar even higher for this next event, which will bring in hundreds of fresh patrons from Generation Y to party with friends, give back and learn about 826LA.

“826LA’s creative approach to supporting education and literacy truly makes them a standout in their sector,” said Austin Kiessig, 25, co-president of Philanthro Productions. “We hope to match their energy by creating a unique atmosphere and positive exposure for them at our event, where they can engage hundreds of supporters who are new to their great cause.”

826LA is one of seven national locations founded by writer Dave Eggers and educator Nínive Calegari. Active members of its advisory board include film director-producers Spike Jonze and Judd Apatow, and GOOD Inc. founder Ben Goldhirsh. 826LA provides its services to students free of charge at drop-in tutoring centers with a twist – each houses an entertaining novelty shop, with proceeds partially funding the non-profit’s operations. The primary LA tutoring center is home to the Echo Park Time Travel Mart.

In keeping with the spirit of 826LA and the children it serves, Philanthro’s RW/FF: Rewind. Fast Forward. event will incorporate the whimsical theme of time travel and bring out the inner child in LA’s young adults at one of Hollywood’s most renowned nightclubs. Special touches will transport patrons to the future and back again, including special guests, high-energy DJs and performances, raffles and surprise giveaways. 826LA will stay top of mind throughout the night with tie-ins throughout the venue.

LAX Nightclub is located at 1714 N Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA. Doors are open from 10pm – 2am; ages 21+ only. Cover charge of $15 before 11:00pm, $20 after; guest list available at www.philanthroproductions.org. Purchase tickets in advance at the 826LA website.

About Philanthro Productions (www.philanthroproductions.org):
Philanthro Productions is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to get more young adults involved in charity by hosting first-rate events in partnership with leading non-profits. Philanthro’s goal is to eliminate the trade-off for young adults between going out with friends and giving back by creating unique opportunities for charitable giving where there were none before. Less than two years after inception, Philanthro Productions has opened chapters in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, which together have raised nearly $100,000 for partner charities.

About 826LA (www.826LA.org):
826LA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. Our services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. With this in mind, we provide drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications. All of our programs are challenging and enjoyable, and ultimately strengthen each student’s power to express ideas effectively, creatively, confidently, and in his or her individual voice. 826LA is a branch of the non-profit organization 826 National, with locations in seven cities across the country dedicated to tutoring, writing, and publishing.