Korbel Champagne Cellars Puts Famous Wedding Dresses On the Auction Block for Charity

Business Wire, Sept 6, 2001

Business Editors/Food & Wine Writers

GUERNEVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 6, 2001

Heather Graham's "Committed", Jane Seymour's "Dr. Quinn, Medicine

Woman" and Sela Ward's "Once And Again" Bridal Gowns Among Offering

Korbel Champagne Cellars and the Entertainment Industry Foundation are inviting Americans to raise a glass while raising funds for a good cause. Famous bridal gowns, including Emmy-award winner Sela Ward's wedding dress worn in the popular ABC drama "Once and Again", will be auctioned off on eBay in the Korbel Ultimate Bridal Gown Auction.

Infamous gowns worn by popular soap, television and movie characters will be available during a ten-day online auction on eBay (www.ebay.com/charity) in November. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the "heart and soul" of the entertainment industry, supporting charitable initiatives that address some of the most critical issues facing our society.

Along with Ward's well-known dress, many other one-of-a-kind bridal attire will join the tour, including Sigourney Weaver's veil from her role in the MGM movie "Heartbreakers" and gowns from Kelli Williams' role in ABC's "The Practice"; popular actress Heather Graham's Miramax movie "Committed"; Jane Seymour's former CBS show, "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman"; Kristian Alfonso's wedding dress from her role as Hope Brady in the popular NBC soap opera "Days of Our Lives"; Hunter Tylo's wedding dress from her role as Taylor Hales Forrester in the well-known CBS daytime drama "Bold and the Beautiful"; Carla Gugino's wedding dress from her role in the Miramax film "Spy Kids"; Laura Wright's elaborate beaded gown worn in her role as Princess Cassandra "Cassie" Layne Winslow on CBS's popular "Guiding Light" and dresses from the Renee Zellweger-Chris O'Donnell New Line Cinema 1999 hit film, "The Bachelor".

"Traditionally, Korbel has been dedicated to supporting charities and has been a strong patron of arts and music," said Gary Heck, President and Chairman, Korbel Champagne Cellars. "During this year's wedding season, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Entertainment Industry Foundation. To be able to bring all of these bridal gowns together in one place for everyone to enjoy is exciting."

Before the dresses stroll down the aisle to the auction block, Korbel will offer "sneak peek" champagne soiree events in select cities across the country. Americans will have a chance to view the gowns first hand at these soiree events, as well as bid on exclusive Nicole Miller gowns, speak with experts about wedding fashions and taste new champagne cocktail creations for bridal celebrations from a master mixologist. Fans will also be able to go online and catch a glimpse of the notorious wedding gowns once the tour begins.

Established in 1882, Korbel Champagne Cellars has been a part of America's greatest celebrations for more than 119 years. Korbel has been a supplier and licensee of the 1996 Olympic Games, the exclusive champagne of the past five Presidential Inaugurations, a supporter of Team Dennis Conner for the 1995 America's Cup and the first global sponsor of Times Square 2000 - a sponsorship that lasts through 2007. As an Official Supporter of the 2000, 2002 and 2004 U.S. Olympic Teams and the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Korbel is the number one selling premium methode champenoise-produced champagne in America.

Korbel encourages you to celebrate responsibly.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Name methode champenoise should appear with an accent over the first 'e'. This symbol may not transmit properly in all systems.