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Press Release Source: Motion Picture & Television Fund

Michael Douglas & Friends Presented by Lexus: Las Vegas Celebrity Golf Event Set for May 1
Thursday April 28, 6:10 pm ET
Lexus, Caesars Palace, Dr Pepper, Pioneer Electronics and the Tourism Authority of Thailand Sign on to Support Celebrity Fund-Raiser for Motion Picture & Television Fund

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Seventh Annual Michael Douglas & Friends Presented by Lexus celebrity golf event will be held Sunday, May 1, 2005 at Caesars Palace/Las Vegas and the Cascata Golf Club. The tournament will air on NBC Sports on Sunday, May 15, 4-6 p.m. EDT, immediately following Arena Football. Proceeds of the golf event will help the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) continue to provide health and community services to entertainment industry people in need.

Celebrities confirmed now to join Michael Douglas as 2005 tournament players include Alice Cooper, Kenny G, Andy Garcia, Teri Hatcher, Matt Lauer, Heather Locklear, William Petersen, Richie Sambora, Martin Sheen, James Woods and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The celebrities divide into foursomes and are guided by renowned golf coaches Butch Harmon, Jim McLean, and Dean Reinmuth. Spectator tickets for the May 1 Michael Douglas & Friends Presented by Lexus celebrity tournament are available through Ticketmaster, at $30 per person ($15 for kids under 10) (plus any applicable service charges.)

"Since our first celebrity golf event in 1998, we've raised more than $4 million to help maintain the 'safety net' of care provided by the Motion Picture & Television Fund," said Michael Douglas.

"And we owe a good part of our success to the involvement of the celebrity players who donate their time, and our very loyal and supportive corporate event partners," he added.

Highlighting the event for the first time this year is an eBay charity auction, benefiting MPTF (May 9-19, 2005), which features VIP trips, celebrity experiences, signed items from the telecast and the all new 2006 Lexus RX 400h (Hybrid) SUV.

Lending support this year are presenting sponsor Lexus, and associate sponsors Caesars Palace/Las Vegas, Dr Pepper, Pioneer Electronics, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

"Lexus is pleased to be back on the course as presenting sponsor of this year's tournament," said Deborah Meyer, Lexus vice president of marketing. "We are proud to be working with Michael Douglas and lending our support to the Motion Picture & Television Fund."

Lexus is the tournament's presenting sponsor for the fourth year in a row, and for the first time will host the Lexus Celebrity Putting Challenge Benefiting the Motion Picture & Television Fund. The celebrities, broken up into four-person teams, will each get an opportunity to putt and win money for the charity. The first player from each team will putt from a pre-designated 25-foot distance. A $10,000 prize is awarded for every putt holed in this round. The length of the putt is reduced in each of the remaining three rounds (15' & 10' & 5'). As well, the prize money is reduced as the putt gets shorter ($7,500 & $5,000 & $2,500). All twelve players will putt. All prize money won benefits MPTF and the winning team will be awarded a 2006 Lexus GS 430 and the keys will be handed over to MPTF.

Should there be a tie of team money after the four rounds, there will be a "putt off" with all three teams selecting one member to attempt a 25 foot putt. A $25,000 bonus will be awarded for any putt holed. Should all three players fail to make this putt, closest-to-the-hole will determine the champion. If multiple players hole the "putt off" the teams will be named co-champions.

There is NO media access to the Lexus Celebrity Putting Challenge, however photo opportunities will be available while the celebrity golfers warm up. Media placement will begin at 9:30 a.m. You will be asked to show your press credential to be admitted.

Cascata, the 450-acre spectacular golf facility set in the foothills of the River Mountains Range, is located just thirty minutes outside Las Vegas. Featuring a course designed by Rees Jones, Cascata is reserved exclusively for guests of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. resorts.

About the Motion Picture & Television Fund

The non-profit Motion Picture & Television Fund, headquartered in Woodland Hills, CA, was founded in 1921 to provide "relief" for those in the film industry who had fallen on hard times. Today, 84 years later, MPTF is a major service provider supporting the health and well being of the entertainment community. Health care, childcare, retirement living, and social/charitable services are offered with compassion and respect for the dignity of the whole person. Care is offered through the MPTF 256-bed hospital, five outpatient health centers, charitable financial assistance and community outreach programs, a full-scale retirement community, and a children's day care center. Visit us at www.mptvfund.org.