FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 December 2003
CONTACT: Barbara Guthrie, Rainbow Child Development Center 508.791.6849

RAINBOW ROARS FOR AFRICA

Fantastic Photo Safari Featured in 2004 Fundraiser

(Worcester, MA) - Lions, and tigers and bears, OH MY!! Rainbow Child Development Center has bagged a whale of an auction item to kick off the planning of the 2004 Signature Event, slated for April 30th at Wachusett Country Club in West Boylston MA. The fundraiser is the principal annual benefit for the non-profit childcare center based in Worcester.

Each year the Signature Event features unusual and exciting live auction items that generate frenzied bidding by guests and friends of Rainbow from throughout the community. The live auction follows a cocktail hour, silent auction bidding, and gourmet dinner all accompanied by festive dance sounds spun by a professional DJ. This is the fourth annual Friday evening event that supports the programs and services provided to Worcester area children and their families.

In 2004 Signature Event attendees will have the rare opportunity to bid for an extraordinary photographic safari for two travelers. The four-star Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in Southern Maputaland -- one of the richest wildlife conservation regions in Africa - is the site of this luxurious adventure. The lucky bidder will spend six days and six nights with a guest, at the private game reserve where the major motion picture I Dreamed of Africa (starring Kim Bassinger) was filmed. Full board - three delicious meals per day with an African flavor, prepared by the finest international chefs - is included, as well as cool lounges, wide verandas, sparkling swimming pool and tennis court. Two game viewing activities per day are scheduled in an open Land Rover with experienced guides leading guests into the heart of the wildlife-abundant plains. Elephant, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hippo, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, and so much more will be just a camera click away! The retail value of this unforgettable experience -- not including airfare - is $2,950. The package is valid for the period of two years from the date of the Signature Event, and bookings can be made for any period in the year.

"The auction is a wonderful, festive evening where guests from throughout our community can directly impact the fundraising, which supports the much needed services provided to our children and families," confirmed Barbara Guthrie, Executive Director of Rainbow Child Development Center. "This exceptional auction donation is a thrilling featured item to kick off our planning of next year's Signature Event. We hope to see many friends and fans clamoring for this chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience."

To find out more about this unique auction item, purchase tickets for the Signature Event, make a donation to the auction, or become involved by volunteering time at the Center or planning the Event, please visit www.rainbowcdc.com or call 508.791.6849.

Rainbow Child Development Center is a licensed, non-profit corporation that provides care, education, and therapeutic services to over 200 children -- ages 6 weeks to 13 years -- from families in the Worcester area. Located at 16 Laurel Street for more than thirty years, Rainbow has recently purchased the Edward Street School building, where programs and services will continue to grow and benefit the community's children.

For further information, please call Rainbow at 508.791.6849 or visit www.rainbowcdc.com.