FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
"A YEAR AND A DAY"

Honoring the lives and spirit of those lost September 11, 2001
CONTACT: Peter Hackel 617-965-4400 x 103

On Thursday, SEPTEMBER 12, 2002, hundreds will come together to create a positive impact on this, the first anniversary of the most severe terrorist attacks on our country. Beginning at 5pm, THE BIG EASY, One Boylston Place Boston will host an evening of food, film, music, art, and charity.

"The purpose of A Year And A Day is to honor the lives and spirit of those lost while we keep fresh in our minds the tragic events of September 11th, " says Peter Hackel, event organizer and stepson of Paige Farley Hackel who was killed on American Flight 11. "At the same time, we will raise awareness for worthy causes while we attempt to turn a constructive corner and try to create something positive out of everyone's shock and grief" 

Food will be served from 5:00-7:00pm compliments of JAKES DIXIE ROADHOUSE of Waltham while dozens of silent auction items are on display including a suite of commemorative 9/11 posters personally signed for the highest bidder by artist PETER MAX. At 7:00, guests will have a chance to bid on sports memorabilia with a LIVE auction hosted by Jimmy Young of New England Cable News. Emcee CHA-CHI LOPRETE of WZLX will help launch the music portion of the evening with Rhode Island based band Firda performing their single "September Skies", followed by special vocal performances from 15-year-old protégé Michelle Micciche, Boston's own Lori Spence and from Chicago, Nancy Davis Shaffer. At 9:00pm, Blues legend JAMES MONTGOMERY takes the stage along with his veteran backing band "The Friends". This power packed performance will feature MARK NAFTALIN of The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, THE FRIENDLY HORNS including Danny Rabinovitz, Roger Cagnon and Chuck Langford, Graham Niell of Sussex UK, Bruce Marshall, Dave Friedman, John Ryder and others. Guests at their leisure, can view an inspiring film from the Woods Hole Film Festival by Matt Siegel titled, "Three Nights At Ground Zero" and PEETS COFFEE AND TEA will supply the java to help take the evening into the wee hours with a special invitation All-Star Jam beginning at 11pm. 

This year's event will support Victory Programs, PAIGE FARLEY HACKEL FREE CARE FUND (vpi.org/paigefarleyhackel/) providing free treatment to women, children and families struggling with addiction, HIV/AIDS, psychiatric and medical problems. The fund, which was launched May 30th, has raised over $100,000 thus far and will help to carry on Paige Farley Hackel's strong dedication to those in recovery. Also benefiting will be the JULIANA VALENTINE McCOURT CHILDREN'S EDUCATION FUND helping to foster harmony, peace and understanding among the children of the world.

PAIGE FARLEY HACKEL was on her way to California along with her best friend RUTH McCOURT CLIFFORD and her daughter JULIANA VALENTINE McCOURT (Paige's God Child) for a spiritual retreat at the Deepak Chopra Center and a surprise trip to Disney Land for four-year-old Juliana. On the morning of the 11th, all three left the Newton home of Paige and Allan Hackel for the drive to Logan. Although their destination was the same, the two friends chose to use frequent flyer miles, which they had on separate airlines. Therefore, Paige was booked on American Flight #11 while the McCourt's were booked on United Flight #175.

Ironically enough in New York, Ruth's brother, Ronald Clifford had arrived at the World Trade Center from his home in New Jersey 15 minutes early for a business meeting. As he paced the lobby, he felt the building shake. It was Paige Hackel's flight crashing into the north tower. Clifford spotted a woman who had been severely singed from jet fuel and led her out of the building to help her find medical treatment. At that moment, he looked up and saw the plane that (unknown to him) was carrying his sister Ruth and Juliana crash into the south tower.

"We hope to grow the event annually bringing children's charities to the forefront of our effort" concludes Hackel. "As a father of four, I feel the children and young relatives of the victims were hurt and will continue to be hurt most here. Our event is a meaningful way to educate and help less fortunate kids each year"

Tickets are $25 at the door which includes dinner buffet, cash bar, entertainment and complementary coffee provided by PEET'S COFFEE AND TEA. Valet parking is available from EXCLUSIVE VALET who will be donating a portion of their proceeds from the evening to the Paige Farley Hackel Free Care Fund.

For more information please contact Peter Hackel at peter@phproductions.net or call 617-283-4951.