A galaxy of Michelin Stars

Gentle Reader, reserve the date - 26 September 2008 at the Hilton Tokyo. See below a recent press release brilliantly crafted for the Tyler Foundation:

WORLD-CLASS CHEFS ON STAGE FOR TOKYO CHILDRENS' CHARITY

The Tyler Foundation for Childhood Cancer (www.tylershineon.org/index.php/jpn_home) announced today that four chefs will star in its annual fundraising event, to be held at the Tokyo Hilton on 26 September 2008.

This marks a significant shift for the Foundation, which until now has relied on Japanese and international sports stars to headline its major annual fundraising event. "We wanted to reach out to as many people as possible" said Kim Forsythe, Chair of the Foundation and mother of Tyler Ferris in whose memory the foundation was created. "Our work focuses on children with cancer here in Japan and their families. Cancer doesn't recognize cultural boundaries, and neither should we."

"It's important that we concentrate on bringing people together - and we felt that a fabulous meal was the right metaphor for that. We only succeed when we touch other people's lives, regardless of race, culture or social status. So our 'Mystery a la carte' dinner with these famous chefs from many countries and cultures - and to do it here in the world's food capital of Tokyo - serves as a powerful symbol of inclusiveness".

The event features:
* Stephane Gaborieau of the famed Michelin-starred La Pergolese, recently awarded the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France (the highest honor in France for an artisan)
* Luke Mangan, the well-known Australian celebrity chef who operates the highly regarded Salt at the Shin-Marunouchi Building, Glass at the Sydney Hilton, and South Food + Wine in San Francisco
* Artorio Spicocchi from Michelin-starred La Stua di Michil, of the famous Hotel La Perla ski resort in the Italian Dolomites much loved by world celebrities (courtesy of De Longhi Japan)
* Sebastien Lefort of the Michelin 2-star Twenty One at the Tokyo Hilton

This is the first event of its type in Tokyo - showcasing four famous chefs, great food and wines, and entertainment yet clearly focused on helping others less fortunate. A donation of Y30,000 covers all food, drinks, and entertainment. Tables of ten, as well as individual seats, can be booked through the Foundation by contacting tomoko@tylershineon.org.

The event, which will also feature a specially-commissioned murder mystery guaranteed to spike interest, raises money for the Tyler Foundation for Childhood Cancer. A live auction, including air travel and accommodation packages for dinners at the featured restaurants as well as other spectacular prizes, is the main fund-raising activity.

Many international firms have already agreed to sponsor this year's event. For a list of sponsors, and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Tyler Foundation.

Currently the Tyler Foundation supports the salary costs of a doctor and clinical psychologists at the National Center for Child Health and Development, as well as a number of other activities all designed to ease the burden for children diagnosed with cancer and their families. It hopes to soon begin construction of a "Shine On! House ", where families of patients at the National Center can stay close by their children without the worry and expense of expensive accommodation bills. Although the Tyler Foundation was established by long-term foreign residents of Tokyo, its mission focuses on Japanese children and their families.

For more information, as well as press kits, please contact tomoko@tylershineon.org at the Tyler Foundation for Childhood Cancer.