Katie Couric And The Entertainment Industry Foundation To Host 2nd Hollywood Hits Broadway Gala, Benefiting Colon Cancer Research And Services

NEW YORK, NY (January 22, 2004) - Katie Couric and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) will host the second HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY gala aboard the world's largest ocean liner, the new Queen Mary 2 (QM2), to benefit EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA) and the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center, named in honor of Couric's late husband.

The star-studded benefit will take place on Saturday, April 24, 2004, in New York City, where Cunard Line's QM2 will dock after making its first transatlantic crossing, launching its inaugural year in service. Cunard Line has generously donated the use of the ship for the evening. HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY will feature film, television, recording industry and Broadway superstars performing in "Some Enchanted Evening - the Music of Richard Rodgers."

In addition to Katie Couric, co-chairs currently include: Cunard Line President & COO Pamela Conover; Bloomingdale's Chairman & CEO Michael Gould; American International Group Chairman & CEO Maurice R. Greenberg; Olympus America, Inc. President & COO F. Mark Gumz; Creative Artists Agency Managing Partner Kevin Huvane; GE Chairman & CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt; Salamander Middleburg LLC President & CEO Sheila C. Johnson; Goldman, Sachs Vice Chairman Robert Kaplan; members of the Monahan Family; Miramax Films Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein; Carsey Werner Mandabach Partner Tom Werner; GE Vice Chairman and NBC Chairman & CEO Robert C. Wright; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Chairman and CEO Alex Yemenidjian and his wife, Arda Yemenidjian.

The first HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY gala, held in November 2002, was an enormous success. 2002 Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich and Musical Director Larry Blank have the same roles again this year. The first show was hosted by Susan Sarandon, Kevin Spacey and Meryl Streep, and included performances from stars Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Kline, Beyoncé Knowles, Bette Midler, Robin Williams, and many others - all whom donated their time and talent for the event. Funds raised benefited colon cancer research and services.

"Last year's HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY was considered the hottest ticket in town. We weren't quite sure how to top it," says Lisa Paulsen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. "A mega-star performance combined with a party on the most exclusive passenger ship ever built is a great way to start. We are delighted that Cunard has joined our efforts."

"Cunard is thrilled to host this dazzling event on the world's greatest new luxury liner," said Deborah L. Natansohn, Cunard's Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We are honored to be able to contribute to the fight against gastrointestinal cancers and happy to donate QM2 for a night of dinner and entertainment during the ship's first visit to New York City."

For additional information about the event, visit www.eifoundation.org.

About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S., causing more than 55,000 deaths a year, though it is also one of the most preventable, with a higher than 90% cure rate with early detection.

About National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance

The NCCRA is dedicated to the eradication of colon cancer by promoting education about the importance of early medical screening and funding cutting-edge research to develop betters tests, treatments and ultimately, a cure. The NCCRA was co-founded in March of 2000 by journalist Katie Couric, cancer activist Lilly Tartikoff, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. As a result of the attention NCCRA and NBC's TODAY Show have focused on colorectal cancer, the number of colonoscopy screenings has increased almost 20% since March 2000. Researchers at the University of Michigan have referred to this as the "Couric Effect."

About the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health

The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center, named in honor of Katie Couric's late husband, will provide health and educational services, state-of-the-art treatment and support for people who have or are at risk for gastrointestinal cancer. Opening in March 2004, the Center will provide the best available patient care offered in a seamless and convenient manner, with specialists in gastro-enterology, colorectal surgery, oncology, a nurse/case manager, nutritionist and genetic counselor all working as a team. The Center is founded on an innovative model of compassionate caring for not only the patient but the entire family. The Center, located in one of the foremost academic medical centers in the country, will serve as an educational resource regarding preventative care and will conduct progressive clinical research, focusing on the most promising trials and treatments. To learn more about the Jay Monahan Center, visit www.monahancenter.org.

About Entertainment Industry Foundation

The NCCRA is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. As the philanthropic heart of the entertainment industry, EIF has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars - and provided countless volunteer hours - to support charitable initiatives addressing some of the most critical issues facing society today.

About Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2

Cunard's QM2 is the largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive passenger ship ever built. She features sweeping staircases, expansive promenades and luxurious accommodations for 2,620 guests; nearly three-quarters of which have private balconies. World-famous chef Daniel Boulud is the ship's culinary consultant. Among her extraordinary facilities are 10 dining venues, including the only shipboard restaurant by celebrity chef Todd English, the only Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea, the world's first planetarium at sea, the largest ballroom at sea, the largest library at sea, and the largest wine collection at sea.

The ship also features a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, several other elegant bars and showrooms, a two-story theatre, a casino, five indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, boutiques, a pet kennel, and a children's facility, complete with British nannies.

In her inaugural year, QM2 sails 13 transatlantic crossings between Southampton, England, and New York as she takes over the role formerly operated by her sister ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, as Cunard's transatlantic liner. Her maiden westbound crossing from Southampton, England, to New York will depart on April 16. Her maiden eastbound crossing will be historic for Cunard, as both QM2 and QE2 will depart New York on April 25 together. The day in New York will be the first time two Cunard Queens have been berthed in the port together since March 1940. The vessel also will introduce a series of Caribbean cruises from New York and Fort Lauderdale; a voyage to Rio de Janeiro and back, timed for Carnival; five European itineraries and two fall foliage cruises to ports in Canada and New England.

For more information on Queen Mary 2, call 1-800-7-CUNARD or visit the website at www.cunard.com. AOL keyword: Cunard.

About Cunard Line

Cunard Line has operated the most famous ocean liners in the world since 1840. Cunard vessels have a classic British heritage and include QE2, Caronia and Queen Mary 2, destined to recapture the glamour of the original Queen Mary, currently a hotel and attraction in Long Beach, CA. In 2005, Queen Victoria joins the fleet.

Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Windstar Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

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Media Contacts:

Judi Ketcik
Entertainment Industry Foundation
(818) 760-7722
jketcik@eifoundation.org