WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Larry King Cardiac Foundation will once again entertain Washington dignitaries, media personalities and business leaders in a way that is equal to none at its annual 'An Evening with Larry King and Friends' annual fund-raising gala. It will be held Friday, March 5th at The Ritz-Carlton at 22nd and M Streets, NW, in the heart of Washington, DC.
The Godfather of Soul, and recent Kennedy Center Honors honoree, James Brown, will perform, and reaffirm his reputation as the hardest working man in show business. Noted comedian (and cardiac patient) Louie Anderson will keep the notable crowd laughing.
The traditional Larry King Heart Award will be given to Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and CEO of FedEx Corporation It will be presented by his Washington Redskins partner, and Dinner Chair, Dan Snyder. In honor of Dan's father, who died from heart disease this past year, the award has been re-named the Gerald S. Snyder Heart Award.
The Larry King Spirit of Life award will be presented to Norma C. Ramsey, director of The Ramsey Foundation. The award will be presented by her good friend, The Honorable Mark Warner, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
A new award will be introduced this evening, to honor a cardiac physician. The Larry King Cardiac Foundation Physician Laureate award will be presented to Dr. Richard Katz, director of the cardiology division at George Washington University Medical Center. Secretary of Health and Human Services, The Honorable Tommy Thompson will present this award to Dr. Katz.
Noted American icon and artist, Peter Max, will be in attendance to present a special portrait to Fred Smith. Max has also donated his talent to create a portrait for the winning bidder in a live auction that will be conducted by Larry King and Montel Williams.
Additionally, several patients who have had their surgeries and procedures funded by The Larry King Cardiac Foundation will give remarks indicating how important the Foundation's work is and how their lives have been affected.
The Larry King Cardiac Foundation has funded over 80 surgeries and procedures for men, women and children who, otherwise, could not have afforded to have their cardiac procedures performed.
The Larry King Cardiac Foundation was established in 1989 to provide funding for life-saving cardiac procedures for individuals who, due to limited means and inadequate insurance, would otherwise be unable to received treatment. The foundation works with hospitals throughout the nation to ensure that such patients receive the medical attention they require. The Larry King Cardiac Foundation is funded from the proceeds of these annual galas, corporate sponsorships, King's books and speaking engagements.
Tickets are $1,000 each. There is limited seating available. For information call: 703/522-0703. For additional information about The Larry King Cardiac Foundation, please view the web site at: www.lkcf.org