While we had previously posted on the upcoming Harrison Ford Q&A at a screening of The Empire Strikes Back, Lucasfilm has since sent over the official press release highlighting a number of charitable events on the horizon for Empire's 30th anniversary. See below...


LUCASFILM CELEBRATES THE 30th ANNIVERSARY OF STAR WARS: EPISODE V THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK WITH A YEAR-LONG CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN

THE EMPIRE GIVES BACK

Events and Activities Benefit St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital?,
Education Outreach at Chicago?s Field Museum and Make-A-Wish Foundation?


SAN FRANCISCO, CA ? Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, Lucasfilm Ltd. is launching a year-long campaign to raise much-needed funds for a brave alliance of worthy charities. Leveraging Empire?s enormous popularity with fans, the goal is to channel the Force in support of a series of charitable events and activities ? and to give back to the community that has helped Star Wars remain so popular for more than three decades. Among the charities to benefit from the year-long Empire Gives Back campaign are St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital, Education Outreach at Chicago?s Field Museum and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

?Star Wars has received such an amazing show of love and support throughout the years, from fans all over the world,? said Mich Chau, President and Chief Operating Officer, Lucasfilm Ltd. ?This anniversary gives us a wonderful opportunity to give back to our fans, and to work with some truly worthy organizations in a combined effort to support those in need.?

Activities include:

Los Angeles red carpet screening to benefit St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital
- Featuring an exclusive Q&A with Harrison Ford, this one-night-only digital screening of The Empire Strikes Back is presented by Junk Food Clothing
- To be held at Hollywood?s Arclight Cinema at 7:00pm on Wednesday, May 19

Chicago screenings to benefit Education Outreach Programs at The Field Museum
- Four digital screenings to be held at The Field Museum?s Ernst & Young Theater
- Friday, May 7 at 3:00pm
- Saturday, May 8 at 3:00pm, 7:00pm and 10:30pm
- Ticket Info: fieldmuseum.org or 312-665-7400

The 501st Legion?s TK Project to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation
- More than 50 contributing artists ? including Star Wars actors, underground artists, celebrities and fans ? will design and customize classic Star Wars stormtrooper helmets
- Entries to be auctioned through Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Fla., from Aug. 12-15
- For more information, visit www.starwarscelebration.com

The Empire Skates Back to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Similar to the TK Project, more than 30 contributing artists will customize and design skateboard decks to reflect themes of The Empire Strikes Back
- Entries to be auctioned through Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Fla., from Aug. 12-15
- For more information, visit www.starwarscelebration.com

Additional programs will be announced throughout the year on StarWars.com

Originally released on May 21, 1980, The Empire Strikes Back has emerged as a fan favorite among the six chapters of the Star Wars Saga. Expanding the canvas of the ?galaxy far, far away,? the film enchanted audiences with its sprawling story, its mix of returning and new characters (including Jedi Master Yoda, bounty hunter Boba Fett and charming scoundrel Lando Calrissian), its pioneering special effects and, of course, Darth Vader?s now-legendary climactic revelation.

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