Spotlight on Literacy - New Brunswick's record-setting PGI events return to Moncton

    MONCTON, NB, Aug. 18 /CNW/ - The Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf
Tournament for Literacy New Brunswick (PGI) is preparing for another
record-breaking year of raising awareness and funds for literacy programs in
our province.
    This year's events take place August 20th and 21st but long before the
festivities begin, children from kindergarten to grade eight were invited to
participate in an art and literacy contest where kids tell "why they love New
Brunswick."
    The 2008 RBC Children's Art & Literacy Contest winners will be recognized
at the Family Festival for Literacy on Wednesday, August 20th, from 11 a.m. to
2 p.m. at the Moncton Market. This year's entertainment includes face painting
and crafts, character mascots Super Why and Huckle Cat, performances by
DancEast and Glad Tidings, as well as readings by acclaimed authors including
Diane Carmel Leger, Scott Tingley and Karen Davidson. A day of great
entertainment for the kids as well as important information on literacy
programs will be available for adults. Kids under 12 get in free, but if you
are older than 12, a cash donation, or the donation of a new children's book
would be appreciated.
    At 7:30 p.m. on August 20th, "Eveningside - In the Tradition of Peter
Gzowski" features a star-studded lineup that includes CBC broadcaster Shelagh
Rogers, the guy they call J-Roc on Trailer Park Boys Jonathan Torrens, NB
Lieutenant-Governor Herménégilde Chiasson, DancEast, the Atlantic Theatre
Ballet, ECMA singer/song-writer David Myles, La Famille Arseneault, luthist
Khalid el Idrissi, and many more special guests all getting together on the
Capitol Theatre stage for a night of music and comedy to celebrate literacy.
Tickets are on sale now at the Capitol Theatre Box Office, adults $25,
students and seniors $15.
    On Thursday, August 21st at 9 a.m. 180 golfers will tee-off for literacy
at Royal Oaks Estates and Golf Club starting with what has become tradition at
New Brunswick PGIs - the welcoming sound of bagpipes and the legendary "sign
from above" skydiver start.
    Last year PGI events raised a PGI-record $160,000 for literacy programs
in New Brunswick and this year are aiming to surpass $1 million dollars raised
since 2002.

    Interviews opportunities:

    Barbara Quigley & Marshall Button - Barb has produced and emceed every
Eveningside show that has been performed at the Capitol Theatre since 2004 and
is the heart and soul of the show. Her countless hours spent recruiting the
talent and writing scripts shows her dedication to the show and to improving
literacy in our province. Marshall's warm sense of humour has also been a
fixture at Eveningside performances since they began. Through his writing and
ability to poke fun at just about anyone (including himself) in a way that
even amuses the target, Marshall keeps the evening light and often reveals to
the audience another side of some of the show's guests.

    Availability

    Barb Quigley is available August 19 & 20
    Marshall Button is available August 18-20

For further information:

For further information: Tracy Kenney, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, 
(o) (506) 867 5943, (c) (506) 863 5198, tracy.kenney@alc.ca