FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        Contact:  Eric Younan
                                                                                                  Colleen Kmiecik
                                                                                                   (248) 855-6777
                                                                                                            eyounan@marxlayne.com

CHRYSLER ARTS, BEATS & EATS AND LIGHTHOUSE OF OAKLAND COUNTY ALLEVIATE AREA HUNGER WITH FOOD DRIVE

Attendees Encouraged to Bring High Protein, Non-Perishable Food Items to
Labor Day Weekend Festival

PONTIAC, Mich.– August XX, – The Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats Festival (CABE) – which continues to make the city of Pontiac the premier family destination for Labor Day weekend, August 29-September 1, 2008 – and Lighthouse of Oakland County are helping fight hunger by announcing a food drive at the 2008 festival.

Lighthouse Of Oakland County and The Oakland Press are encouraging festival attendees to donate such high protein, non-perishable foods as canned meat and fish, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter.  Collection stations are located at Pike Street at Wayne and Pike Street between Wayne and Saginaw in downtown Pontiac.

“It’s been tougher for all of us, but some individuals and families are struggling more than others. Job losses and rising food and energy costs have dramatically impacted already tight food budgets for many,” said Jon Witz, festival producer. “We should all work together to help those who are less fortunate.”

John Ziraldo, president and CEO of Lighthouse of Oakland Country said there has been an increase in those seeking assistance.
 
“In the past year, our organization has seen a 50 percent increase in the number of people seeking emergency food provisions and we expect more to come,” Ziraldo said.

The first 1,000 people that bring in one of the below complete packages will receive a 2008 CABE poster.

Package A:

• 5 cans of canned meat or fish

Package B:

• 5 jars of peanut butter

Package C:

• 5 boxes of macaroni and cheese

Package D:
A combination of five of the following items:

• Mac and Cheese box
• Canned meat or fish
• Peanut Butter

Package E:

• A combination of five items on the Lighthouse Web site: www.lighthouseoakland.org

The annual Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats, Oakland County's Taste, Music & Arts Festival, is held over Labor Day weekend, August 29-September 1, 2008, in downtown Pontiac. The four-day festival will be open from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Labor Day Monday.  For additional public information, visit www.artsbeatseats.com, or call (248) 975-8850.