[from CCN Mattews - News Distribution ]

AUGUST 14, 2006 - 03:01 ET

Priceless Grand Piano Up for Auction at the 2006 David Foster and Friends Charity Gala, September 10, 2006

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(CCNMatthews - Aug. 14, 2006) - International superstar Julio Iglesias was on hand today to lend his support to the David Foster & Friends Foundation. Iglesias, in Vancouver to perform at the River Rock Show Theatre, is among the 60 plus superstars who have signed a unique item up for auction: A one-of-a-kind Yamaha grand piano personally signed by artists, entertainers, and celebrities, including: Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Faith Hill, Josh Groban, Smokey Robinson, Natalie Cole, Carole King, Reba McEntire, Sting, Usher, Garth Brooks, James Ingram, Glen Frey, Trisha Yearwood, Johnny Mathis, Tim McGraw, Dionne Warwick, Robin Williams, and Donald Trump,[/b] to name only a few.

It's an auction item that is close to the heart of world-renowned music composer and 14 Grammy Award Winner, David Foster. "My favourite songs have been performed on this piano by the original artists. It has been with us for some truly great events at some spectacular venues. I am thrilled that its legacy will help improve the lives of families and children in need," said Foster.

The idea to auction off David's "touring piano" came from Foster's piano technician Warren Huff, and the piano has been "center stage" for dozens of major events. It was recently featured in the "Andrea Bocelli: Amore Under the Desert Sky" show at Lake Las Vegas. The piano has also helped raise millions of dollars for worthy charities, including Muhammad Ali's Celebrity Fight Night to benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center; and Andre Agassi's Grand Slam for Children to benefit underprivileged and abused children. It was also at David's home in Malibu recently for a special performance by the legendary Barbra Streisand.

"Every penny from the auction will help support families with children in need of life saving major organ transplants," Ian Tostenson, Vice President of The David Foster Foundation said today. Last year's gala raised $2.8M, part of which came from several exclusive auction items and trips. "This year we are aiming for six figures with this piano alone," said Norm Kilarski, Chairman of David Foster and Friends. "As well, we are so pleased that Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers will enable the autographed grand piano and the other auction items to be auctioned live at the event, and live to the world, over the internet."

The piano will remain on display to the public, at the River Rock Casino Resort, until it is auctioned off at the David Foster and Friends Charity Gala on September 10, 2006. To see the photo of Julio signing the piano please click the following link: http://www.ccnmatthews.com/docs/JulioSigns01.jpg

About the David Foster and Friends Charity Gala:

Last year's gala, at Richmond's River Rock Casino Resort, rose over $2.8 million, the largest amount raised in a single fundraising event in BC history. For more information about this year's David Foster and Friends Charity Gala, please go to www.davidfosterandfriends.com.

About The David Foster Foundation:

Established in 1986, The David Foster Foundation exists to provide financial and emotional support to families of BC children who are in need of life saving organ transplants and to promote public awareness of organ donation. To date, the foundation has assisted 275 families with children in need of organ transplants. For more information check out: www.davidfosterfoundation.org.

About Richie Bros. Auction House:

Richmond-based Ritchie Bros. is one of the world's largest auctioneers, conducting over 250 unreserved auctions each year around the globe. For Gala Auction Information check www.davidfosterandfriends.com and coming soon to the Ritchie Bros. website www.rbauction.com

But...

How do you put this in your autograph album?

I can't wait until the new owners well intentioned maid comes by and cleans up all that yucky scribbling. :p