PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 12, 2006--Look for the tell-tale red carpet and the anticipated entrances of glamorous attendees, while cameras snap and entertainment show hosts clamor for a brief word from each or any of the well-known faces alighting the scene unfolding at the Grand Coronado Ballroom at Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center December 2, 2006 -- but it's not to recognize the most talked-about film or performance, and the honorees won't be asked who they're wearing. It's about those celebrities who channel their fame into creating a better world through their talent for giving.

The inaugural, nationally-televised Golden Karma Awards show will include beautiful awards for honorees when it airs this holiday season. The point, according to Founding Director Annette Marino, is to craft a national platform that recognizes exceptional philanthropic efforts of celebrated figures in America, and to inspire millions of viewers across the country into taking action themselves. The event will be produced by Success for Good, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit created to strengthen the nonprofit sector.

"Stars who are known to most people worldwide, such as Angelina Jolie, or a beloved longtime leading man such as Robert Redford, can have a profound influence by the examples they set. They have chosen to passionately pursue causes that touch their hearts. We want to round all of these examples up into an event that prompts people to consider how they can weave volunteerism and philanthropy into their own personal lives. We want to highlight the honorees as mentors and inspirations," Marino said.

The Honorees: Past and Future

In 2005, the first year of the Golden Karma program (including a local presentation that was not nationally televised), seven honorees were selected to receive awards in the Celebrity Philanthropic category, and two were chosen in the Community Philanthropy category for metro Phoenix. Marino also plans to expand the awards program into major markets across the country.

Celebrity honorees in 2005 included such star philanthropists as Muhammad Ali, for Parkinson's issues; Bob Barker, for Animal issues; Katie Couric, for Cancer issues; Angelina Jolie, for Humanitarian Aid; Paul Newman, for Children's issues; Robert Redford, for Environmental issues; and Harry Connick, Jr. for Hurricane Katrina Recovery.

A Golden Karma Awards committee comprising national and local members will nominate, vote, and tap this year's honorees, including up to seven celebrities and two local community leaders.

Sponsors include: Rowland Luxury Homes, BMW North Scottsdale, Clear Channel Radio, Sleep America, Molina Fine Jewelers and Blacktie-Arizona.

Please visit www.goldenkarmaawards.org.

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Golden Karma Awards

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