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50 Million Pound Challenge Event Advisory - Update

Posted on: Friday, 3 August 2007, 18:21 CDT

CHICAGO, August 3 /PRNewswire/ --

What: Vowing to "give up the pounds, not the fight," Dr. Ian Smith-physician, author of the NY Times #1 best-seller Extreme Fat Smash Diet & VH1 Celebrity Fit Club expert-has created The 50 Million Pound Challenge. Supported by a host of African-American leaders and sponsored by State Farm(R), The Challenge is coming to Chicago's Washington Park Sat., August 11 for a free special event of entertainment, fitness & fun to enjoy after watching or walking in the Bud Billiken parade. One of the most far-reaching initiatives of its kind, The Challenge is an historic campaign by the African-American community to help people take control of their health, get fit & lose weight-to live longer, look & feel great. In 15 weeks since its launch, 186,745 people have joined and lost 420,440 pounds. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070803/AQF062) * First to Show Up in Line at Event With Proof They Signed up Earlier Online at 50millionpounds.com Get VIP Access To encourage more people to sign up online for The Challenge before the Chicago event, the first attendees to show up at the event and present a print-out of their e-mail confirmation showing they registered online Aug. 2-11 are eligible for VIP access near the stage and stars. Only one person admitted per confirmation, which is unique to individuals & non- transferable, so friends are encouraged to register. VIP areas open at 12 Noon on event day. People must be 18 or older & no alcohol, smoking or coolers are allowed.* Who: A star-studded cast will be in Chicago to join Dr. Ian, who is an honorary grand marshal in this year's Bud Billiken parade which will also feature a Challenge float. After participating in the parade, Dr. Ian will host a free Challenge event-the tenth of the campaign's 14-city U.S. tour- featuring appearances by Grammy-winning hip hop star Common, Grammy- nominated soul star Musiq Soulchild, rapper Slick Rick, hip hop star Rob Base, hip hop rapper Da Brat and renowned DJ Biz Markie. All attendees can to enjoy live entertainment, get free health screenings, and learn more about The Challenge and it's free fitness tips & tools at http://www.50millionpounds.com/, where anyone can join. They can also get free eshots photos, which they can keep as "before" shots to show their progress "after" reaching their personal weight-loss goals-and motivate them to keep the weight off. When and Where: The Challenge event-which is free, open to the public & anyone can attend- is from 12-4 p.m. (CDT) on Saturday, Aug. 11 in Chicago's Washington Park, where thousands are expected to join after watching or walking in the Bud Billiken parade. Interview Opportunities: Dr. Ian is available for scheduled interviews in Chicago the week of the event and for scheduled phone interviews prior to that. On Aug. 11th Dr. Ian & other participants will be available as time permits and on a case-by-case basis. RSVP is necessary. Background: Coming Together to Fight Health Risks of Excess Weight: Launched April 7, The Challenge aims to reach its 50 million pound goal by making it easier for millions of people to get fit, lose weight & turn back the epidemic of weight-related diseases threatening half of all Americans. The African-American community has been especially hard hit. Each week, 10,000 people die from heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer & other illnesses related to diet & inactivity. Today 135 million Americans and 2 in 3 adults are overweight, double the rate a few decades ago. For African Americans, 80% of women and 67% of men face higher risk from excess weight. To fight back, The Challenge has enlisted more than 50 leaders from the community and national civic & health organizations, and is hosting events in Washington DC, Baltimore, Miami, Memphis, Cleveland, Houston, Detroit, Atlanta, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, New York, Oakland & New Orleans.

For Media Inquiries, RSVP to attend or arrange an interview, please contact:

Chicago-area media: Meryl Moss, meryl@mediamuscle.com, 203-226-0199 (office) National media: Marc Smrikarov, marcs@brownlloydjames.com, 212-486-7070 (office), 917-595-9481 (cell) Other media & inquiries: Mia Jazo-Harris, mia.jazo-harris.sfdx@statefarm.com, 309-766-5242 (office) * For more information about VIPs, go to http://www.50millionpounds.com/

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070803/AQF062AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

50 Million Pound Challenge

CONTACT: Chicago-area media, Meryl Moss, +1-203-226-0199,meryl@mediamuscle.com, or National media, Marc Smrikarov, +1-212-486-7070,cell, +1-917-595-9481, marcs@brownlloydjames.com, or Other media & inquiries,Mia Jazo-Harris, +1-309-766-5242, mia.jazo-harris.sfdx@statefarm.com, all for50 Million Pound Challenge

Web site: http://www.50millionpounds.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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