BRIFT to Host Major Fundraising Event at L'Auberge Resort, 8/2-4

The Board of Directors for the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre (BRIFT) has announced plans for a major fundraising event to be sponsored by and held at the L'Auberge Resort in St. Charles, Louisiana. The fundraiser, which will include a special appearance by the Bandit himself will be a three day whirlwind of fun. In the planning stages are a Burt Reynolds Poker Tournament, a golf tournament and a lavish evening gala celebrating Reynolds and his 55+ year career.

The much anticipated event at the L'Auberge, which is owned by Pinnacle Entertainment, a recognized and respected venue for first class accommodations and entertainment, is scheduled for August 2, 3, and 4, 2013 and will include both a live and a silent auction of memorabilia from Reynolds' personal collection. On display will be an array of vehicles representing those featured in the forever popular "Smokey and the Bandit" films.

In August 2012, the Burt Reynolds Institute, home of the Burt Reynolds Museum, located at Indiantown Road and U.S. Highway One was closed due to development of the Harbourside complex. After nearly 12 years as the jewel in the crown of the Town of Jupiter, the building was razed and the BRIFT staff was forced to store the Museum's vast collection of Hollywood and sports memorabilia while a new location was sought. Thanks to support from the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners land was found in Burt Reynolds Park and the dream of a new Burt Reynolds Institute was realized.

The proceeds of the August event at the L'Auberge will be donated to BRIFT for its capital campaign. The new Institute is expected to include classroom space, editing suites, rehearsal halls, a theater and the museum. Popular South Florida TV and radio personality Bob Nichols will act as celebrity auctioneer. He serves on the Board of Directors for BRIFT as Vice Chairman.

Douglas Rill, chair of the BRIFT Board of Directors, expects many of Reynolds' friends and fans to join him at the L'Auberge. In a recent interview, Rill said, "This is going to be a wonderful fundraiser for BRIFT. We look forward to introducing Burt Reynolds to the people of St. Charles, many of whom have faithfully followed his career." Rill added, "The proceeds from this event are important if we are to secure a continuing legacy of Burt Reynolds' talent for acting and teaching as well as provide a home for the memories created by him over the past 55 years."

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