Cartoon Network Teams With Best Western International Empowering Children Nationwide to Raise Funds for UNICEF's Tsunami Relief and Recovery

    ATLANTA, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Cartoon Network and Best Western
 International are uniting in their support of UNICEF's tsunami relief and
 recovery, creating the "Kids Help Out Matching Program."  The joint initiative
 seeks to empower, recognize and encourage the generosity and leadership of
 individual children, schools and youth groups in their efforts to assist those
 affected by the deadly tsunami in South Asia.
     As part of its "Best Western for a Better World" community service
 program, the world's largest hotel chain will double the amount raised by
 children through the "Kids Help Out Matching Program," directing its recently
 announced $400,000 UNICEF donation to this matching funds effort.  Donations
 from kids (under age 18) to UNICEF tsunami relief and recovery will be matched
 retroactive to December 26, 2004 and will continue through March 31, 2005.
 Cartoon Network will air "Kids Help Out" public service announcements
 featuring some of the music world's top names singing "Give A Little Bit."
 Performers include Clay Aiken, India Arie and John Ondrasik of Five For
 Fighting.  Children, parents and teachers can learn more about the program
 at http://www.kidshelpout.org .
     "The 'Kids Help Out Matching Program' gives children across the U.S. the
 opportunity to ensure a better future for their peers in South Asia -- boys
 and girls whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy," said Cartoon
 Network's EVP and General Manager Jim Samples.  "We are thrilled to join Best
 Western in this collaborative effort to support the incredible work of UNICEF
 throughout the region."
     "Best Western International is proud of our association with Cartoon
 Network and UNICEF, working together to engage and educate today's youth on
 the importance of helping others," said David Kong, Best Western president and
 CEO.  "We want to encourage all children, as well as other corporations, to
 participate in this massive fundraising effort to make a difference in the
 lives of those so desperately in need."
     "The tsunami disaster has generated an enormous outpouring of support from
 young people everywhere," said Charles J. Lyons, president of the U.S. Fund
 for UNICEF.  "Millions of children have taken a leadership role and
 demonstrated their compassion and caring for others.  We greatly appreciate
 the commitment Cartoon Network and Best Western have made to these caring
 children, and to our tsunami relief efforts through the 'Kids Help Out
 Matching Program.'"
 
     About Cartoon Network
     Cartoon Network, currently seen in 87.1 million U.S. homes and 160
 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-
 supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment.
 
     About Best Western International
     Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN(R) with more
 than 4,100 hotels in 80 countries and territories. It is a membership
 association of independently owned and operated hotels that provides
 marketing, reservations and operational support to its members.  Its multi-
 faceted community service program, "Best Western for a Better World," is
 dedicated to providing assistance to Best Western neighbors in cities and
 countries across the globe.  Through financial contributions, product
 donations and volunteer activities, Best Western, its members, employees and
 guests work together throughout the year, making a difference by helping those
 in need.
 
     About UNICEF
     Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of
 children around the world through immunization, education, health care,
 nutrition, clean water, and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its
 cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most
 disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.  To
 make a donation or learn more about UNICEF please call 1-800-4UNICEF or go
 to http://www.unicefusa.org .
 
 

SOURCE  Cartoon Network