Celebrities Descend on New Bern, NC for a Weekend of Spectacular Events in Support of the Nicholas Sparks Foundation

NEW BERN, N.C., April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The town best known to Nicholas Sparks fans as the setting for The Notebook, will host a star­-studded weekend to raise awareness and funds for the Nicholas Sparks Foundation April 20 – 22, 2012.   New Bern, NC will welcome celebrities from the world of sports, music, movies and television to mingle with fans during events such as a family fun night, celebrity golf tournament and a 5K run.  Sparks fans will also have the opportunity to dine with the author at a luncheon or at a private brunch held at the Sparks residence.

As part of the weekend, Mr. Sparks will also screen the new Warner Bros. movie starring Zac Efron, "The Lucky One," based on the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name at a red carpet event on Friday night, April 20, in downtown New Bern. 

Sponsored by Pepsi, the weekend's proceeds will benefit the Nicholas Sparks Foundation, which supports global education initiatives for our youth through the Epiphany School in New Bern, NC, wounded warriors through Hope for the Warriors, and Assistance Dogs for people with disability through Paws With a Cause.

"I'm excited to welcome my fans from far and near to join us to help raise awareness and funds for the charities my family and I cherish so deeply," said Sparks.

Celebrities currently scheduled to appear include singer Kellie Pickler, "The Lucky One" and "Mad Men" actor Jay Ferguson, "CSI" star Hill Harper, "One Tree Hill" actors Stephen Colletti and Bethany Joy Lenz, "Party of Five" star Scott Wolf, actor Jake T. Austin from Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place," NFL football stars TJ Yates and Matt Leinart; Olympic athletes Dan Jansen and Billy Mills; ESPN's Hannah Storm and Jay Harris, and from the Weather Channel Jim Cantore and Stephanie Abrams.

Following are the events for the weekend.  Visit www.sparksevent.org for ticket information.

Friday, April 20
11 a.m. - Lunch with Nicholas Sparks
5 p.m. - Family Fun Night
8 p.m. - Red carpet arrival of celebrities for special screening of "The Lucky One."

Saturday, April 21:
9:30 a.m. - Celebrity Golf Tournament

Sunday, April 22:
9 a.m. – 5K race, mile fun run with celebrities
11 a.m. - Brunch at Sparks's home

The Nicholas Sparks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving cultural and international understanding through global education experiences for students of all ages, as well as support of organizations dedicated to helping communities and people in need.

CONTACT: Stephanie Yeager, 252-626-6885

SOURCE Nicholas Sparks Foundation