"Lighten Up Brooklyn" Campaign

For Immediate Release: 7-1-08

"Lighten Up Brooklyn" Campaign

Press conference July 8th at 11 AM
With Joe Gannascoli, ‘Vito’ of the Sopranos
Walk-a-thon July 12th & 13th at 10 AM

Who: The New York Emmy ® Awards in partnership with Aetna and the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office.

What: Press Conference for the “Lighten Up Brooklyn” weight loss campaign &
Walk-a-thon created to combat obesity

When
: Press conference will be held on July 8th at 11 AM
 
Announcing the walk-a-thon to take place on Saturday, July 11th at 10:00 AM
and Sunday, July 12th at 10:00 AM

Where
: The press conference will be held in the rotunda of the Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street, then moving outside

Why
: To inspire weight loss and promote awareness of the health risks of obesity.
Brooklyn suffers from some of the highest obesity rates in New York City
Interview Opportunities:
*Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who started the weight loss campaign seven years ago, improving his health, and losing 25 lbs. that he has kept off to this day.
* Joe Gannascoli, born and raised in Brooklyn, Joe Gannascoli is an established actor, (he starred as "Vito" on HBO's hit, The Sopranos) a reality television star ( VH1's Celebrity Fit Club) was the host of a national radio show, (WBZB NY's, Chewin The Fat) a Chef for over 20 years, cooking abroad and in Brooklyn and the author of a book, ("A Meal to Die For") and the National Spokesperson for Bright Steps Forward, (a nonprofit organization that provides funding for disadvantaged children with neurological disorders). An inspiring and hardworking individual, Joe has achieved so much success in all of his endeavors, including weight loss of approx 100 lbs., and is passionate about helping others to do the same.
*Individuals who have been inspired over the 7 years of this annual weight loss campaign including a man who has lost over 500 lbs.

Press Contact: Mark Zustovich: mzustovich@brooklynbp.nyc.gov, 718.802.3830

Location: Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn , NY

Date: July 8, 2008, 7 a.m. - July 8, 2008, 8 a.m.