09.12.06
THOMAS KINKADE AUCTIONS ART TO BENEFIT UNITED WAY OF GREATER KNOXVILLE

Thomas Kinkade, known throughout the world as the "Painter of Light," will auction a limited edition painting on September 22 at 7 p.m., at the Mills Auditorium in Gatlinburg to raise money for the Points of Light Foundation and its local affiliate, United Way of Greater Knoxville's Volunteer Center.

"We are honored to partner with Mr. Kinkade to encourage our community to volunteer," Ben Landers, United Way of Greater Knoxville President & CEO said. "United Way and the agencies we support are dependant upon volunteers to accomplish the vital work we do for people in need. We are fortunate to live in a community that cares about our neighbors and is quick to respond when there is a need. We want to encourage people to remember that spirit of caring and continue supporting their community by volunteering throughout the year."

"The true secret of happiness is doing for other people," Kinkade said. "In volunteering your time and talent, you can have more impact and be more effective than solely donating money."

The Thomas Kinkade Company and the Points of Light Foundation have partnered to increase public awareness of the value of volunteering and to support the nation's community Volunteer Centers. Kinkade, the Foundation's Ambassador of Light, is on an 18-city tour visiting Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Galleries. While on tour, he will share his inspirational message of hope, love, and service and promote the mission of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network.

The Points of Light Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to engaging more people more effectively in volunteer service to help solve serious social problems, is committed to supporting the more than 370 Volunteer Centers nationwide.

Volunteer Centers are the hub of a local volunteer community, connecting nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses to the resources that make a difference. Volunteer Centers connect more than 2.5 million people with more than one million volunteer opportunities annually.

Thomas Kinkade's partnership with the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network adds to a long list of charitable endeavors during his career. Kinkade has helped raise millions of dollars for charities around the world, including Make-A-Wish Foundation®. His personal mission to spread light and joy into the homes of others has earned him the distinction of being the most collected living artist in U.S. history. Kinkade encourages East Tennessee residents to volunteer for community service projects by calling or visiting 1-800-Volunteer.org.

About The Thomas Kinkade Foundation
The Thomas Kinkade Company publishes the work of Thomas Kinkade and distributes his art and related collectibles through independently owned galleries worldwide, an extensive network of branded and licensed dealers; and strategic marketing relationships with such companies as Avon Products, Inc., QVC Inc. and more than 60 licensees. For more information, please visit the company's web site at www.thomaskinkade.com.

About the Points of Light Foundation
The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who to help solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the Foundation encourages people from all walks of life - corporations, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youth, and older adults - to volunteer. For more information call 202-729-8000 or visit www.PointsofLight.org.

About United Way Greater Knoxville's Volunteer Center
Since 1977, nonprofit organizations have relied on the Volunteer Center to match needs in the community with interested volunteers. The center works to ensure that groups and individuals find appropriate volunteer opportunities beneficial to them and nonprofit organizations. For more information on volunteer opportunities in our community, call the Volunteer Center at (865) 523-913.

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