Focus Features Auctioning Off MOONRISE KINGDOM Costume for Variety the Children's Charity, 6/6

Focus Features is donating an original costume from its acclaimed new movie Moonrise Kingdom, directed by Wes Anderson, to Variety the Children's Charity of New York for Variety New York's online auction which begins today via www.charitybuzz.com.

The costume is the Khaki Scouts of North America uniform worn by 12-year-old Sam Shakusky (played by Jared Gilman) in Moonrise Kingdom. After consulting with the director, costume designer Kasia Walicka Maimone and her department created every single element of the uniform, including activity buttons and hand-sewn insignia patches. The movie introduces Mr. Gilman and his fellow screen newcomer Kara Hayward, who joined their director and his stars Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Bob Balaban in world-premiering Moonrise Kingdom earlier this month at the Cannes International Film Festival. Focus opened the movie in New York and Los Angeles last Friday to rave reviews, posting the highest recorded per-theater average for a live-action movie released domestically, and expands it to additional cities throughout June.

The gift from Mr. Anderson and the worldwide film company will help Variety New York raise funds to support its work in the tri-state area transforming the lives of children through the arts.
Variety New York's Executive Director Jessica Bynoe notes, "Variety has a strong history with the film and entertainment industry and we are excited to continue that tradition with this generous donation from Focus. Funds raised through this auction will help us change the lives of many more children by engaging them in the arts which greatly enhances their academic, career, and personal success."

Variety New York is hosting this auction in conjunction with its annual "You've Gotta Have Heart" Awards Reception honoring Craig Zeltner, VP of Clearview Cinemas, at the International Center of Photography on Wednesday, June 6th, 2012. The event will be attended by over 300 supporters from the film and entertainment industry.

Since 1948, Variety the Children's Charity of New York has made a difference in the lives of children by providing essential funds and capacity building to non-profit organizations in the Tri-State area. Variety's grant-making practices reflect its mission "to support grassroots non-profit organizations in the Tri-State area whose programs use the arts as a catalyst to transform the lives of under-served children." For more information visit www.varietyny.org.