Help Bring Mardi Gras Back – Charlotte Style
2006 Beads for Needs Event to Benefit The First Tee of Charlotte;
and victims of Hurricane Katrina

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 29, 2005

Who: Beads for Needs is a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for underprivileged children in the Charlotte area. Each year, Beads for Needs presents Charlotte's premier Mardi Gras-themed fundraiser - an event by young professionals for young professionals.

The 2006 event will benefit The First Tee of Charlotte, a youth development program teaching children character enhancing and life skills through the game of golf. The First Tee of Charlotte has introduced over 1000 Mecklenburg County children to golf and its values and is one of over 200 chapters of The First Tee. Life skills are taught within the golf context and focus on the nine core values of The First Tee.integrity, honesty, confidence, courtesy, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, perseverance, and judgment. The First Tee of Charlotte has been operating out of temporary quarters at the Golf Village in Pineville. Funds are being raised for a new facility to be located on Charlotte's west side. The location will be determined in the fall 2005 in cooperation with Mecklenburg County Park and Rec. To learn more visit www.thefirstteecharlotte.org.

Beads for Needs will also reach out to provide assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in an effort to help bring Mardi Gras back with helping hands - Charlotte style.

What: For the fifth consecutive year, more than 1,500 young professionals will converge for a Mardi Gras celebration that includes a re-creation of New Orleans's famous Bourbon Street, food from area restaurants, live music, and THOUSANDS of beads, boas and masks. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For ticket information, visit www.beadsforneeds.org.

When: 6-11 p.m., Thursday, February 23, 2006

Where: Bank of America - Founders Hall

Photo Opportunities: Mardi Gras decorations, including masks, boas, street signs and beads. Costumed performers, a live band with brass instruments, oversized Mardi Gras masks, a large wall façade of Bourbon Street, lamp posts with authentic street names. Décor features authentic Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold). The Voltage Brothers in bright silver suits, and dozens of strands of beads for all attendees (and media guests!)

Interview Opportunities:
Lee Froneberger
President
Beads for Needs, Inc.
lee.froneberger@wachovia.com
704-374-2694

Dan Cottingham
dcottingham@cottinghamchalk.com
704-650-9117

Donation Opportunities: Beads for Needs continues to grow with the generous support and donations from both private individuals and local businesses. Contact Lee Froneberger (704-374-2694) if you would like to contribute services or make a monetary donation.

Media Contacts:
Lee Froneberger
Wachovia Bank, N.A.
Phone: 704-374-2694 / Cell: 704-277-6117
Email: lee.froneberger@wachovia.com