FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2008

CONTACT:
SEARCH FOUNDATION
Michael Tannen, Executive Director
877-777-9340

SEARCH FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING APPROACHES $25,000 AT EVENTWORLD 2008

St. Petersburg, Florida, August 25, 2008 –The SEARCH Foundation, whose mission is assisting event professionals in crisis, held a first time fundraiser during the International Special Event Society’s EventWorld Conference.  Over 300 people came to this dancing and dessert reception and for a raffle to win a one carat Hearts on Fire Diamond, valued at $12,000.

The main sponsor for the “Hearts on Fire, Live Intensely, Give Immensely” reception, was the Orlando Chapter of the International Special Event Society.  ISES members provided over $20,000 “in kind” product and services to create a festive environment.

Silent auction items were generously donated by industry sponsors to “Help SEARCH Help Others.”  Newly created SEARCH merchandise was premiered including a signature “SEARCH Angel Gold Heart Pin” and the “A Heart for All Seasons” greeting card set. These twelve card sets include four designs, each by notable industry icons including: Autumn by Steve Kemble, Winter by John Daly, Spring by Sean DeFreitas, and Summer by David Merrell.

Onstage, in a moment of reflection which highlighted the mission of SEARCH, two survivors of Hurricane Katrina touched the hearts of attendees when they gave testimonials about what the SEARCH Foundation assistance to their families and businesses meant to them. Tears of joy flowed everywhere.

As the event came to a finale, Chairman Larry Green and Past Chairman Michael Cerbelli drew the diamond winner from hundreds of raffle tickets, A surprised Nina Netane from Orlando, FL, said” I was humbled by the stories of the recipients helped by SEARCH. What a great cause; and to know that SEARCH really comes through…that it really works for those that need help. I very proud that our company, OPTUMEDIA, was able to add audio visual services to the event.

The next SEARCH Foundation annual fundraiser, “Cabaret” is scheduled in San Diego, CA at The Special Event Show on Thursday January 29th.