This press release was released today in the wake of the hugely successful charity premiere campaign:

Star Wars generates out of this world funds for abused and neglected children!

DENVER- The Kempe Children's Foundation charity premiere of the new film, Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, on May 12, 2002, Mother's Day generated nearly $100,000 for Kempe's programs to treat and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Located at the Continental Theatre at I-25 and Hampden, a sold-out crowd of 525 Star Wars and Kempe fans joined together to create a once-in-a-lifetime Mother's Day extravaganza.

"We are so thankful to Lucasfilms for recognizing that child abuse and neglect is a terrible issue that impacts our entire society. By selecting Kempe as the Denver beneficiary for the premiere screening of this film, Lucas brought much needed attention to the issue," said Carrie Nolan, President of the Kempe Children's Foundation.

The Kempe Children's Foundation was selected by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox as one of only 11 charities across the U.S. and Canada to premiere this film.

Pre-event activities began at 2 pm on Sunday, May 12th. Television media sponsor, KCNC - News 4, provided Greg Moody to serve as the MC for the pre-event. Greg gave away Star Wars memorabilia, judged a costume contest, and helped build the excitement for the screening of the film.

Following the 4 pm screening of the film, the filmgoers moved into a giant tent erected outside the Continental Theatre for a delicious Star Wars buffet provided by Occasions by Sandy. Broncos Wide Receiver, Ed McCaffrey, and Broncos Head Coach, Mike Shannahan, wrapped up the evening by drawing ticket numbers and giving away premiere Star Wars memorabilia.

Each guest was given a gift bag filled with Star Wars momentos.

Star Wars memorabilia was donated by Star Wars vendors for gift bags and give aways at the event. Vendors included Wizards of the Coast (numerous rare items including R2D2 Portable Cooler, Darth Maul leather jacket and a Star Wars: Episode I Lithograph Portfolio Limited Box Set), Hasbro (Star Wars figures), Fossil (Star Wars watch), Dark Horse Comics (film posters), Lego Systems Inc. (Star Wars Lego Systems), Master Replicas ("working" lightsabers), Sony Music (film soundtrack), and THQ (game boy gift basket).

Individual ticket prices were $250 for adults and $125 for children under 18 years of age. All costs/donations above $30 were entirely tax deductible.

Ten percent of all tickets sold will go to underprivileged children.