Ricki-Lee Face Of Jeans for Genes

Singing superstar Ricki-Lee is calling on all Australians to join the Jeans For Genes Day mass "denimstration" on Friday August 1 2008. Her involvement will help ensure all children are given a better chance for a healthy life.

It was confirmed today that Ricki-Lee will be the inaugural Face of Jeans For Genes. Ricki-Lee personally pushed for her relationship with the campaign to be taken to the next level after working closely with the charity during the past two years. In that time, Ricki-Lee has personally helped raise funds in excess of $100,000.

"I've worked with many charities but I've NEVER been so inspired by an organisation or the passion of people such as those involved with Jeans for Genes. They have quite honestly transformed my outlook on what needs to be achieved to create awareness in this country, and I will do just about ANYTHING to help this incredible organisation!" says a devoted Ricki-Lee.

Jeans for Genes Day is the major fundraiser for the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI), which researches genetic diseases such as cancer, epilepsy and cleft lip and palate.

Ricki-Lee will be the focus of a great photo opportunity on Monday June 23rd, 2008. She will roll up to the Arthouse Hotel, Sydney, in a denim MINI - kindly provided by MINI Garage Sydney - to help drive up the numbers for Jeans for Genes Day's mass "denimstration" on August 1. Later in the evening she will perform.

The media launch on Monday 23rd also opens the 'Denim In Gold' art exhibition at the Arthouse Hotel, open to the public from June 24 to July 22. The exhibition shows prominent Australian artists' works on jeans, which have been worn, donated and signed by international and local legends including Jackie Chan, Cameron Diaz, The Police and Keith Urban.

Please put on a pair of jeans, donate or get involved and join Ricki-Lee in the fight against children's genetic diseases in 2008 - see www.jeansforgenes.org.au

The Children's Medical Research Institute studies the importance of genes for healthy development and genetic disorders which affect 1 in 20 children. Genetic childhood diseases include cystic fibrosis, epilepsy and cancers. CMRI's leading science is aimed at helping to develop better treatments, cures and perhaps even preventions. This not-for-profit institute is funded by Jeans for Genes Day (1 August) and competitive grants. For more information visit www.jeansforgenes.org.au

The annual Jeans for Genes exhibition this year includes works on canvas and jeans - preloved, signed and donated by The Police, Jackie Chan, Cameron Diaz and Keith Urban - painted by artists including David Bromley and Elizabeth Bardon.

The jeans art then goes under the auction hammer on July 23 to raise funds for the Children's Medical Research Institute at its annual dinner. Jeans art is hotly sought on the night. Last year's top-priced artwork, at $32,000 was Robyn Ross's 'pants off' portrait of comedian HG Nelson, followed by Garry Fleming's portrait of The Terminator, incorporating Arnie's denims.
www.jeansforgenes.org.au/events