Lorna Luft & Liza Minnelli to Join Forces for LORNA'S PINK PARTY- Actors Fund Benefit at Birdland, 10/14 & 21

The Actors Fund, the nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment, will present the 2013 edition of Nothing Like a Dame: Lorna's Pink Party, a benefit for the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative and the Dr. Philomena McAndrew Fund of Tower Cancer Research Foundation. This highly anticipated event, starring entertainment legend Lorna Luft with her special guest Liza Minnelli will take place for two nights only on Monday, October 14th at 7 pm, and Monday, October 21st at 7 pm, at Birdland, 315 West 44th Street, New York City.

The intimate evening of cabaret will be hosted by stage, film and television actress, best-selling author, recording artist and Emmy nominated producer Lorna Luft and will feature Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony-winning performer Liza Minnelli. It has been 20 years since the two sisters performed together; the last time was their memorable duet for the 1993 Tony Awards.

The evening will include appearances by Nick Adams, Ann Hampton Callaway, Liz Callaway, Jim Caruso, Kelly King, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Phyllis Newman and Marcia Strassman.

Ms. Luft, who went public with her recent battle against breast cancer, plans to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Ms. Minnelli and special guests, many of them also cancer survivors, with the message "We made it and you will too!"

"This event means the world to me," said Luft. "I'm so grateful to be feeling so well and performing again. These two Birdland nights are the perfect opportunity for me to gather some friends-including my sister-to raise money to help two essential organizations."

Tony winning actress (and Actors Fund Trustee) Phyllis Newman added, "I'm thrilled that this year's Nothing Like a Dame event will feature the wonderful Lorna Luft hosting a slew of fantastically talented friends. It's going to be a great couple of nights, all in support of two great organizations: The Actors Fund and Tower Cancer Research Foundation."

Nationally renowned medical oncologist (and Tower Cancer Research Foundation Board member) Dr. Philomena McAndrew also added, "Breast cancer continues to plague women in epic proportions. It is so wonderful that my patient, Lorna Luft, in gratitude to the care she received, has offered to 'give back' and help other women who suffer from this disease by donating proceeds of her upcoming performance to the Dr. Philomena McAndrew fund at Tower Cancer Research Foundation."

Tickets for LORNA'S PINK PARTY start at $250, with a very limited number of $50 standing room and $100 bar seating tickets available. An exclusive post-show VIP photo opportunity with the stars is included with purchase of a $1,000 ticket. Special sponsorship packages are also available. Tickets can be purchased at www.actorsfund.org or by phone at 212.221.7300 ext. 133 or email: tickets@actorsfund.org.

Lorna Luft-From her early work with her mother, Judy Garland, to spectacular concert performances, acclaim on Broadway and in television, Emmy award-winning actress/singer Lorna Luft's career has encompassed virtually every arena of entertainment. A celebrated live performer, stage, film and television actress, best-selling author, recording artist and Emmy nominated producer - she proudly carries on her family's legacy with critics labeling her one of the most vibrant, versatile and exciting artists on stage today.

Lorna's journey with breast cancer began with a self-exam and discovery of a lump. Then denial, until forced by her family and friends to see a physician. The diagnosis revealed the devastating news she feared and tried to avoid; it was cancer. Determined to fight, Lorna assembled the finest medical team including Dr. Philomena McAndrew, her medical oncologist. With her optimistic attitude and sense of humor, Lorna refused to indulge in self-pity. Rather she pushed herself forward with renewed strength and an indomitable sense of purpose.

The Dr. Philomena McAndrew Fund is a dedicated fund at Tower Cancer Research Foundation, created to support breast and other cancer projects identified and led by Dr. McAndrew. These include funding of clinical research in which Dr. McAndrew has been a co-investigator on numerous research studies for both breast and other types of cancer. In addition the funding supports psychosocial programs for breast cancer survivors and breast cancer related educational programs. Some of these programs include a Young Adult Breast Cancer Support Group, a Lymphedema lecture, and a six week Psycho-Educational Program for Breast Cancer Survivors.

Tower Cancer Research Foundation (TCRF) was founded in 1996 with the belief that cancer can be conquered in our lifetime. Founded by a group of dedicated physicians, patients, and volunteers, TCRF was created to fund state-of-the-art clinical trials, cancer research, education, and patient support programs. TCRF strives to be the most important funding resource in Southern California for scientific research, care, and support for those in our community affected by cancer. Visitwww.towercancerfoundation.org.

The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative (PNWHI) was initiated by Actors Fund trustee and cancer survivor Phyllis Newman, and was created to address the myriad of concerns women face when dealing with a serious medical condition. When women come to The Fund after a serious medical diagnosis they are often overwhelmed with concerns about their ability to work, family issues, managing basic bills as well as medical bills, and coping both physically and mentally with a challenging medical situation. The PNWHI Social Workers help women negotiate the steps that

follow a serious medical diagnosis. Through intensive case management, access to individual counseling, support groups, educational seminars, linkage to community supports and short-term financial assistance, the social workers help women receive the nurturing support that they need. Visit www.actorsfund.org/PNWHI.

The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone - performers and those behind the scenes - who works in performing arts and entertainment, helping more than 13,500 people directly each year, and hundreds of thousands online. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund's programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund has - for nearly 130 years - been a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition. Visit www.actorsfund.org.

About Birdland Jazz Club-Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.