Art Show Press Release

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – Washington Redskins All-Pro Tight End Chris Cooley will auction artwork to raise funds for education at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner this Friday, June 4, 2010 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Cooley, an art major at Utah State University, will auction his own original paintings, drawings, and pottery to raise funds for underserved students through the Chris Cooley Education Fund. A general admission ticket to the Chris Cooley Art Show is $35/individual. A VIP admission ticket to the show is $75/individual. To reserve your ticket to this inaugural event, visit www.thecooleyzone.com

Established in 2008, the Cooley Education Fund provides college scholarships to low-income, high-potential high school seniors throughout the greater Washington, DC region. In its inaugural year, the fund provided eight students each with college scholarship worth $25,000.00. These bright and dedicated students now have the opportunity to pursue a higher education and reach the goals they have set for themselves.

During his time in Washington, Cooley has created a gallery full of artwork including over 20 paintings and 250 pieces of pottery. The art show will feature pieces that are available for sale as well as auction to provide guests not only with a wide-variety of artwork, but also a broad-range of prices.

In addition to the artwork, Cooley’s teammates and coaches will support his cause by donating and auctioning a variety of Redskins memorabilia, including autographed jerseys, footballs, and helmets.

“Every single dollar raised from selling my art will be donated back to the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation; subsequently going into my education fund and scholarships to underprivileged kids,” says Cooley. “I thought doing something I love and am interested in would be so much more real for the public.”

The general admission ticket ($35/individual) includes entry into the event, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and an open beer and wine bar. The VIP admission ticket ($75/individual) includes all amenities included in the general admission price as well as entry into a private VIP reception with Chris Cooley and other Redskins players (6:00 pm – 7:00 pm). Visit www.thecooleyzone.com to reserve your ticket today! Tickets are tax-deductible.

The Chris Cooley Education Fund is another initiative developed and funded by Cooley and implemented with the assistance of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Community Relations Department. In July 2008, Cooley invited nearly two dozen little fans battling big diseases to a special Training Camp practice where he surprised them each with a duffel bag full of gifts, including a handheld game system, games, and Redskins memorabilia as well as the quality time with the entire Redskins team. In September of last year, Cooley, along with teammate Derrick Dockery, hosted the second annual All Star Survivors Luncheon for approximately 20 women currently battling breast cancer at Redskins Park to provide them a day of pampering that included lunch, a player-led tour, and a new wig, scarf, turban, bag of makeup, and pair of jeans along with tickets to the Redskins vs. Buccaneers game where the women stood beside the Redskins cheerleaders to welcome the players onto the field.

The college scholarships, administered by the DC College Success Foundation (www.dccollegesuccessfoundation.org), will provide one deserving student at each of the 8 schools Cooley visits with a college scholarship that will be disbursed in $5,000 increments annually. The DC College Success Foundation has established a strong working scholarship model that places scholarship recipients in a mentoring program that requires the student to work with a mentor during their freshman year to help ensure success.

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The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation, the nonprofit philanthropic arm of the team combines the influence and popularity of the Washington Redskins with the resources and assets of Washington area corporations. Founded by Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder, the Charitable Foundation is guided by its Leadership Council that consists of CEOs who help shape and define the philanthropic efforts of the Redskins to achieve a measurable impact on youth development in the areas of education, community outreach, and health and wellness. Visit www.Redskins.com and click on Community for more information.

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