LEAVENWORTH, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2007- Sleeping Lady Foundation is pleased to sponsor a benefit lecture by Greg Mortenson, co-author of the New York Times best-seller, Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission To Promote Peace ... One School At A Time. Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat will host the lecture in the Chapel Theater on April 14, 2007, at 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Central Asia Institute.

Selected by both TIME magazine and the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association as 2006 Book of The Year, Three Cups of Tea chronicles one man's effort to promote education, especially for girls, in remote, often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In 1993 Mortenson attempted to climb northern Pakistan's K2, the world's second highest mountain, and the experience changed his life. Separated from his climbing partners on K2, Mortenson was found by a local man who took him to the tiny mountain village of Korphe. Haji Ali, Korphe's village elder, and his wife opened their hearts and home to Mortenson. When he asked what he could give Haji Ali in return, Ali said he could build a school for the village.

Since then, Mortenson has helped establish over 58 schools through his non-profit Central Asia Institute (CAI.) Today, CAI provides education for over 24,000 children, including 14,000 girls, in an area where children -- especially females -- previously had few educational opportunities.

Considered a hero by rural Afghans and Pakistani, he has gained the trust of Islamic leaders and tribal chiefs for his tireless efforts to champion education.

NBC newscaster Tom Brokaw calls Mortenson "one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, who is really changing the world."

U. S. Representative Mary Bono (CA) calls Mortenson "a true American hero, whose creativity, courage and compassion exemplify the true ideals of the American spirit."

Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today, says, "Mortenson doesn't just climb mountains. He moves them, and through his dedication and determination, he's given hope to thousands of children in a region in turmoil."

Guests can join Greg Mortenson for a special benefit dinner in the Kingfisher Dining Lodge at 5:00 p.m. Dinner tickets, which include a gourmet dinner, entry to the lecture, and a chance to meet Mr. Mortenson in person, are limited. Cost is $100 per person. Proceeds from the dinner will also benefit CAI. Tickets to the presentation only are $20 for adults and $15 for students and senior citizens.

Mr. Mortenson has graciously agreed to a book signing after the lecture. The Leavenworth bookstore, A Book for All Seasons, will donate 10% of book sales to CAI. For more information visit www.sleepinglady.com, or email info@sleepinglady.com. To reserve your seat, please call 1-800-574-2123.

About Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat

Harriet Bullitt started Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat 10 years ago to protect the natural beauty of a property near her Leavenworth home. Prior to her purchase, the site had been used as a base by the Civilian Conservation Corps (under the Roosevelt Administration during the 1930's and '40's), as a dude ranch for family vacations, and as a camp for the Catholic Youth Organization. In 1991, Bullitt purchased all 67 acres to preserve the land; soon after, she started making plans to redevelop the property into a mountain retreat that would embrace the site's natural setting and attract visitors seeking an experience off the beaten path. Conference rates range from $115 to $220 per person, and all meals are included. Prices also include meeting space, audio/visual equipment, high-speed internet access in conference rooms and common spaces, beverage breaks, and general meeting supplies. For more information visit www.sleepinglady.com or contact Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat at 1-800-574-2123.

Copyright Business Wire 2007

Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort

Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort

Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat is a conference facility that blends music and the arts, human interaction, and a reverence for nature to create a uniquely productive meeting experience. Taking its name from the mountain profile above the site, Sleeping Lady opened its doors in 1995, after four years of planning and development. Spread over 67 acres, Sleeping Lady is nestled in the Cascade foothills outside Leavenworth, Washington. Its architecture and landscaping were designed by Jones & Jones of Seattle to blend with nature and to preserve or restore the natural landscaping and habitat of the area. Guest rooms and meeting areas reflect an atmosphere of rustic elegance, and intentionally foster interaction and dialogue. Sleeping Lady's commitment to the arts and music are reflected in its extensive collection of original artwork and folk art, and its partnership with Icicle Creek Music Center, whose offices are located onsite. Icicle Creek administers a year 'round Sleeping Lady performing arts series, and produces its own classical, jazz and acoustic chamber music programs at Sleeping Lady, including its summer Chamber Music Festival. Founded by owner Harriet Bullitt, whose family has had close ties to the area since 1931, Sleeping Lady was built with environmentally sensitive construction methods, and incorporates environmental conservation into its daily operations. It has been recognized for setting standards of excellence in ecotourism and ecobuilding industries.

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