More Soap Stars Joining The Nautica Malibu Triathlon

1 Wally Kurth and Heather Tom will be joining their fellow soap-stars-turned-athletes, Winsor Harmon, Alec Musser and Emily Warfield, September 14 for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon to benefit Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program. Los Angeles will again play host to some of the world’s finest athletes, celebrities and philanthropists when the 22nd Annual Nautica Malibu Triathlon, presented by Toyota, invades Zuma Beach on Saturday, Sept. 13, and Sunday, Sept. 14. Participants in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon will put their skills to the test on a course that includes a half- mile swim in the Pacific Ocean, an 18-mile bicycle ride along the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway and a four-mile run along the sands of Zuma Beach. In addition to pushing themselves physically, competitors will be racing for a worthy cause. This is the second year that proceeds from the Nautica Malibu Triathlon will benefit the world-renowned Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program. Previously, the event raised nearly $780,000 for Childrens Hospital and organizers are aiming to raise even more in 2008. “The inspiring stories that emerge from the Nautica Malibu Triathlon every year, both from the athletes and the recipients of the generosity of all participants, continues to drive our efforts and make every year better than the one before,” said Michael Epstein, president, Michael Epstein Sports Productions, Inc. (MESP). “We’re proud of the dedication of the corporate teams, the athletes, the celebrities, Nautica® and Toyota to raise money for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, an organization that embodies the spirit of the Nautica Malibu Triathlon.” “Over the course of its twenty-two year history, the Nautica Malibu Triathlon has grown into a first-class athletic event drawing competitors, celebrities and spectators from around the globe,” said Karen Murray, President of Nautica®. “But despite the athletic accomplishments, we’re most proud of the community that comes together every year and the commitment that each participant and spectator makes to supporting the life-saving work of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.” Dedicated to curing and preventing childhood cancers, the Pediatric Cancer Research Program at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides groundbreaking treatments and therapies for some of the most serious and life-threatening pediatric cancers to children everywhere. “Through our ongoing dedication to medical research and disease prevention, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and its Pediatric Cancer Research Program is making strides in the fight against this terrible illness,” said Stuart E. Siegel, M.D., director of the Childrens Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and professor and vice chair, pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. “We are very, very grateful for the generosity of all involved with the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, and we look toward the future with hope and an unwillingness to give up in the face of adversity.”

ATWT's Vaughn in "Street Lights for Obama"

1 "Street Lights For Obama," a one-night-only benefit concert of Joe Drymala's new hip-hop/pop musical Street Lights, premiered on Sunday at The Zipper Factory. Ryan J. Davis produced and directed. All sales benefitted Obama For America. Davis currently serves on Obama's Pride NYC Leadership Committee. "Street Lights" follows inner city teens as they strive to create hope in their community and make their lives extraordinary. It is the second major collaboration for Davis & Drymala and they've released free tracks to the Original Concept Recording on streetlightsmusical.com. Lauretta Vaughn, who last appeared as Kit on AS THE WORLD TURNS and was once an INTURN contestant, was part of the ensemble cast. She previous appeared on the soaps DOCTORS and HOLBY CITY. 1 Lelund Derond Thompson, Lauretta Vaughn, Krystal Brown, Markita Prescott, Andrew Arrington, Kevin Curtis, Ebony Hood, Jason Michael Miller, Jasmine Torres, Dominique Elise Porter, Jhon Christopher, Laban Reeves Photo credit: Cassie Corrigan

INTURN Winner Nell Mooney Joins ATWT in October

1 INTURN winner Nell Mooney joins the cast of AS THE WORLD TURNS in the role of Spencer McKay. Spencer will host a variety show with Brad (Austin Peck) and will be keeping a secret from all those in Oakdale. Mooney will first appear in early October. Mooney won a 13-week contract on ATWT after being voted the winner of INTURN by fans. The final three INTURN contestants each appeared in an episode of ATWT in late May/Early June with Mooney playing, Livia Gordone, in scenes with Luke and Noah. Mooney edged out Justin Smith in fan voting.

New SOW/SOD Website Layout

1 Check out the new Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly website.