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BANFF, ALBERTA – As an on-going supporter of Robert Kennedy Jr.’s environmental work, Roots co-sponsored the just-concluded Waterkeeper Alliance, fundraising event in Banff. The annual three-day Fairmont Banff Springs Celebrity Sports Invitational attracted prominent figures from the fields of entertainment, business, sports and politics, generating $750,000 (US) for Waterkeeper’s fight to protect waterways worldwide.
Actor Alec Baldwin and Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman
The star-studded event, co-hosted by actors Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan along with Kennedy and his wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, featured tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snow showing and dual slalom ski racing at Banff National Park’s Sunshine Village. Those taking part included such luminaries as Robin Williams, Woody Harrelson, Glen Close, Richard Dean Anderson, Jason Priestly, Treat Williams, Camryn Manheim, Bruce Davison Ed Begley Jr., Chris North, Corbin Bernsen, Fran Drescher, Mark Feuerstein, Peter Fonda, Marcia Gay Harden, Kevin Lowe, Brian Orser, Joe Pantoliano, William Shatner, Carrie Fisher and Camryn Manheim.
Actor Jason Priestly and his fiancé Naomi Lowde
In addition to the sporting events on the slopes, one of the highlights was an awards dinner show, celebrity auction and a concert featuring Kenny Loggins in special performance. Proceeds from the weekend will benefit the Waterkeeper Alliance (WA), an umbrella organization for the 115 WA programs that now patrol and protect rivers, bays, lakes and streams throughout North and Central America.
Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman and actress Glen Close.
Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman, who participated in the events on and off the mountain, says it’s only natural that Roots, given its long-standing support of environmental initiatives over the years, helps the Waterkeeper Alliance.
“Roots was pleased to co-sponsor this event as we strongly believe in Waterkeeper’s work on behalf of water protection and conservation,” said Michael. “We have a lot of respect for Bobby Kennedy Jr. and his colleagues for their commitment to reduce pollution in our rivers and conserve our water resources. Unfortunately, there’s more need today than ever for their work.”
Actress Fran Drescher, (center), with John Wigmore, Manager of the Roots store in Banff
and his wife Lesley Wigmore (left).
Last summer, Michael Budman hosted Robert Kennedy Jr. and his family in Ontario’s famous Algonquin Park where Michael has had a cabin since the 1960s. Michael and his wife, Diane, introduced the Kennedys to the natural beauty and unspoiled rivers and lakes in Algonquin’s wilderness paradise.
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For further information, contact:
Robert Sarner, Director of Communication and Public Affairs
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