Lucy Lawless Races Home For Auckland Cup Week

New Zealand's own Hollywood star chooses Starship Foundation over Oscars

While most of Hollywood is preparing to shine at the Oscars, LA based New Zealand star Lucy Lawless is racing home to attend an inaugural event for the Starship Foundation and the Auckland Racing Club.

As part of the glamour and fashion of Auckland Cup Week (March 4-11) Mercedes-Benz presents the Auckland Cup Charity Ball in support of Starship Foundation on the evening of Monday 6 March.

Lawless, a Starship Foundation board trustee, has today cancelled numerous commitments - including attending next week's Oscar's awards- and juggled her hectic filming itinerary to be able to attend what is set to be a glittering event.

Lawless said she ranked supporting Starship well above attending red carpet events in Hollywood.

"My commitment to the children in my home country is paramount. It's worth making this trip home to support Starship even if it means forsaking one of Hollywood's premiere nights," she said.

Starship Foundation Chief Executive, Andrew Young, is delighted at the last minute confirmation which he said demonstrated Lawless' passion for her favourite cause.

The $250 per head gala event will feature an exclusive auction list of high value items including a spectacular diamond ring from Roccabella Jewellers and Hearts on Fire and for the first time ever at an auction in New Zealand, two tickets to a show at London Fashion Week including flights, two corporate box tickets to Irish band, U2. There's also a unique chance to bid for an adrenalin-fuelled Mercedes-Benz experience at Wellington's exclusive Boomrock country lodge which includes a purpose-built car testing circuit and 4WD off-roading, plus golf and clay pigeon shooting.

There will also be an announcement of a newmodelling competition, the Face that Stops the Nation, a nationwide search to find the face of Ellerslie for 2007 which commenceslater this year.

For tickets and further information, please contact Amylouise Miller (09) 5801260, starshipevents@adhb.govt.nz or visit
http://www.aucklandcupweek.co.nz.