LOS ANGELES, CA, December 14, 2006 -- The premiere was a benefit for the Jordan River Village project, a Hole-in-the-Wall Camp in Israel for children with serious illnesses. The Hole-in-the-Wall Camps were founded in 1988 by Paul Newman. I was told that Harry Sloan, Chairman of MGM, was the first to come up with the idea of benefiting the camp with "Rocky Balboa's" Hollywood premiere, and with the help of Sherry Lansing, who is on the board of American Friends of Jordan River Village, the premiere raised $400,000.

Michael Finkelstein, who is chair of the American Friends organization, gave a moving speech, comparing the children who need this camp to "Rocky" himself. "Like Rocky," he said, "these children face long odds, but they won't quit." The children will have a chance to be kids again -- to laugh, play games, and have expert care. No child, or their family, will ever be charged one cent to attend. The audience responded with deafening applause when he told us that Jordan River Village will be welcoming both Jewish and Palestinian Arab children and their families.