Starbright Children's Foundation honors Fanning, announces ambassador program

In the twelve years of her very accomplished life, actress Dakota Fanning is about to do something few people -- celebrity or not -- have done: receive an honor for which the last recipient was the legendary Steven Spielberg.

On March 31 at The Beverly Hilton, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation presents Fanning with the 2006 "Heart of Gold Award" at the organization's annual "A Stellar Night" gala. The award will be presented by Fanning's friend and "Dreamer" co-star Elisabeth Shue, and honors the young star for her enthusiastic dedication to

helping others at such an early age.

The evening, hosted by actress and long-time Starlight Starbright supporter Jamie Lee Curtis, has a kid-focused theme taken from the foundation's mission to make a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families. This year marks the first time Starlight Starbright has invited kids to attend the cocktail attire affair, providing them an opportunity to experience the importance of philanthropy firsthand.

Keeping with this theme, entertainment throughout the gala showcases young singers including up-and-coming teen-sensation Kristy Frank as well as inspiring R&B vocalist BO Benton. In addition, the event features a special

V.I.K (Very Important Kid) Lounge, sponsored by Hollywood Video, where young guests can write notes to hospitalized children and try out Starlight Starbright technology such as PC Pals and Fun Centers that feature a Nintendo

GameCube(TM).

However, children's active involvement in Starlight Starbright doesn't stop on March 31. In fact, the foundation is using this year's gala to announce the launch of StarPower -- a committee of young ambassadors working to make a difference and spread the word about the importance of giving back at an early age. Host Jamie Lee Curtis will act as the group's honorary chairman or "Fairy Godmother," and the StarPower gang is already shining

bright with teen celebs lending their names to make a difference, including:

Kyle and Chris Massey ("That's So Raven" and "Zoey 101", respectively), Corbin

Bleu ("High School Musical," "Catch that Kid"), Ashley Tisdale ("High School

Musical") and Ricky Ullman ("Phil of the Future").

Starlight Starbright will also honor local philanthropists Debbie and Glen Bickerstaff as the first recipients of the foundation's "Jacki Carlish Humanitarian Award." Named after a woman who dedicated her life to Starlight

Starbright, ensuring sick children still had a chance to be kids, this is a fitting honor for the Bickerstaffs who are very much kindred spirits with the award's namesake. As philanthropists who have demonstrated their kindness

locally, nationally and globally, Debbie and Glen are being honored for their compassion, leadership and generosity of spirit.

Starlight Starbright's "A Stellar Night" brings together organizations, corporations and people who are committed to making a difference in the life of a child. Over the years, many of the country's leading corporations have

supported Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation; in specific regard to "A Stellar Night," the following corporations have shown remarkable support

through their generosity and innovative contributions to the event: Nintendo of America, Inc., The Bickerstaff Family Foundation, The TCW Group, Inc., The

Walt Disney Company, Hollywood Video and Swarovski.

About Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is a non-profit organization that transforms the lives of seriously ill children and their families through imaginative programs that educate, uplift their spirits, foster a sense of

community, and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness.

Starlight Starbright offers an impressive array of in-hospital, outpatient, school and home-based programs and services that touch the lives of more than

180,000 children and families each month. To learn more about the organization, visit their web site at http://www.starlight.org