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Franken will team up with event chairman, actor/director Rob Reiner, to recognize outstanding young tobacco prevention activists who have distinguished themselves as leaders among thousands of kids working to protect their peers, their communities and the nation from tobacco addiction.

The Youth Advocates of the Year Awards program, now in its third year, was created to encourage tobacco prevention activism and leadership among the nation's youth who are fighting for healthier futures. The Campaign will honor one national winner, five regional winners and one group winner. Award recipients will serve as spokespersons for the Campaign, work in their communities against tobacco and encourage kids and adults across the country to join the fight against youth tobacco use. Franken, one of the founding members of Saturday Night Live, is possibly best known for portraying the "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me" character, Stuart Smalley.

One of Franken's more recent accomplishments is his creation of the NBC sitcom "Lateline." He also has been recognized as a best-selling author with the book, "Rush Limbaugh Is A Big Fat Idiot"; a hit screenwriter with the movie, "When a Man Loves a Woman"; and a political satirist as a commentator for CNN and for his appearances on such shows as "Politically Incorrect."

"Al Franken is an outstanding performer and is a great addition to this year's event," said Bill Novelli, Campaign president. "We're excited to have him and chairman Rob Reiner to help us turn the Washington spotlight on the young stars of the evening."

Reiner, perhaps best known for his memorable son-in-law role on the CBS sitcom "All in the Family," has devoted substantial time and resources to tobacco control and other issues affecting children. Last fall, he spearheaded a successful campaign for passage of California's Proposition 10 initiative, designed to fund early childhood development and anti-tobacco programs through an increase in the state's tobacco tax.

"More than 3,000 children become regular smokers every day," said Reiner. "It is crucial that we break tobacco's grip on our kids and slow down this alarming rate of addiction."

The 1999 awards will be presented in Washington, D.C., on April 29 at the National Building Museum at 6:30 p.m. More than 500 attendees are expected, including members of Congress and the Administration; public health, business and community leaders; and, of course, kids.

Award recipients will be chosen based on how their initiative, leadership, creative thinking, problem solving and communication skills have altered state and local policies and beliefs that limit kids' access to tobacco. Each of the winners will receive grants to continue his/her local efforts to educate kids about the dangers of tobacco.

"We want to support and recognize the exceptional work that these kids have done, and will continue to do, in the hope that all of us can look forward to a healthier, tobacco-free future," said Franken. "Or something like that."

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is the largest non-government initiative ever undertaken to decrease youth tobacco use in the United States. Its mandate is to focus the nation's attention and action on keeping tobacco marketing from seducing children, and making tobacco less accessible to kids.

For more information on the 1999 Youth Advocates of the Year Awards gala, call Marisa Bilicic at 202-296-5469.

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