Enjoy some good news through the press release below as you gear up for a nice weekend...



DK Publishing Donates $50,000 on Behalf of 501st Legion


New York, NY. - DK Publishing announced a $50,000 children’s book donation on behalf the 501st Legion, an all-volunteer organization of Star Wars™ costume enthusiasts who raise money for children’s charities all over the world. The donation was made to The Today Show Charitable Foundation, Inc. who dispersed over 7,000 new, full-color reference books to The Boys and Girls Club of America for distribution to children across the country.

“We love working with the 501st Legion volunteers,” said Judi Powers, DK's Director of Marketing and Publicity. “They are a dedicated, caring group of people. Last year we partnered with them on over 60 events and this year we’re planning even more. They make people smile wherever they go—from bookstores to conventions to children’s hospitals.”

“We wanted to thank the 501st Legion in a big way,” said Associate Director of Publicity, Rachel Kempster. “We know that children’s charities are near and dear to hearts of all 501st volunteers.”

In addition to its major holiday toy-drive campaign, The Today Show Charitable Foundation, Inc. facilitates donations to children in need year round. These items go to 210 organizations in all 50 states reaching millions of kids. Recipients include homeless shelters, children's group homes, schools, foster family services, domestic abuse shelters, Native American missions, military bases, hospitals, preschools, after school programs, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The 501st Legion has steadily grown its charity efforts since its inception in 1997.

"This donation from DK is a prime example of how many lives we can touch with our unique brand of volunteerism," says Dean Plantamura, 501st Legion Public Relations Officer. "The men and women of the Legion donate their time and often commute great distances to bring a Star Wars presence to an event and smiles to children's faces. In 2009 alone, we estimate that the efforts of the 501st Legion helped raise more than $300,000 to benefit charities all around the globe."

For further information, please contact Dean Plantamura/501st Legion: pro@501st.com

About DK Publishing
DK Publishing is world renowned for its distinctive, highly visual books that inform, inspire, and entertain readers of all ages. Publisher of the New York Times bestseller LEGO ® Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary, and Do Not Open, among others. DK also publishes the award-winning Eyewitness series for children and Eyewitness Travel Guides. BradyGames and Rough Guides are also available from DK, a division of Penguin Group. Us.dk.com.

About the 501st Legion
Since 1997, the costuming organization known as the 501st Legion has spread the magic of the Star Wars genre worldwide through its authentic-looking costumes, and has become the leading force in fan-based charity events. The 501st, also known as “Vader’s Fist,” is truly dedicated to brightening the lives of those less-fortunate. While it is not sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd., it is Lucasfilm's preferred Imperial costuming group.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.