Direct Relief to Open Santa Barbara International Film Festival With “A Red Carpet Toast to Givers and Shakers” on January 25
SANTA BARBARA, CA (January 09, 2007) Two Santa Barbara institutions will join together on Tuesday, January 25 as Direct Relief International kicks off the start of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival with "A Red Carpet Toast to Givers and Shakers," an opening night celebration benefiting Direct Relief to be held at Cafe Buenos Aires in Santa Barbara.
This is the first event between the two organizations, and the first-ever opening night cocktail party for the festival. "This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," said Roger Durling, executive director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Direct Relief was specifically picked by the festival's board to be the recipient of the evening's proceeds.
The event, running from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, will feature Cafe Buenos Aires' signature Argentinean tapas appetizers, specially-crafted martinis, and special surprise guests from the festival's premiere lineup of films. Guests holding tickets for the evening's film will be able to walk to the Arlington Theater, conveniently located across the street, after the event for the screening of "Factory Girl," starring Sienna Miller and Guy Pearce.
"I have long admired and respected [Direct Relief International President and CEO] Thomas Tighe and what Direct Relief International does," said Durling. "I'm so pleased that we're able to do this event with all funds going to them. Direct Relief International is one of the most essential and effective non-profits and deserves our care and attention."
Tickets for the event are $175, and those interested in attending should contact Lori Willis of Direct Relief at (805) 964-4767, extension 126. Space is extremely limited.
Celebrating its 22nd year, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues to impress with an excellent lineup of films, informative panels, and celebrity tributes featuring the best and brightest in the industry. This year's festival runs from January 25 through February 4, 2007.
About Direct Relief International
Founded in 1948, Direct Relief International is a Santa Barbara, CA-based non-profit organization focused on improving the quality of life by bringing critically-needed medicines and supplies to local healthcare providers worldwide. Direct Relief distributed over $200 million in direct aid through medical material assistance and targeted cash grants to more than 300 healthcare facilities and organizations in 56 countries, serving 23.8 million people. Direct Relief is one of two charities ranked by Forbes that has received a perfect fundraising efficiency score for five consecutive years.
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