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Feel-Good Event!
"On A Roll" Premiere fills the
house and the hearts of all in attendance
About 175 people stood on the red carpet outside the Magnolia Ballroom at the Beau Rivage
Resort and Casino Tuesday night, anticipating the premiere of the documentary film, "On A Roll:
Family, Disability and the American Dream." When the doors opened, Greg Smith, accompanied by
Ms. Wheelchair America, Juliette Rizzo, welcomed each person in line with a handshake.
Inside, guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, drinks and lively conversation while a slide show of
candid Smith family photographs set the tone for the evening. Each table was decorated with
black tablecloth, a black "director's slate" and a silver film reel as the centerpiece. Thirty
minutes before the film's debut, Karen Abernathy, television anchor for WLOX-TV in Biloxi began
the evening as emcee.
"In television, we're always on the lookout for great stories, and there are so many great
stories associated with this film," she said. "For example the fact that Greg Smith and the
filmmaker, Joanne Caputo met six years ago because their children played together is a great
story. This film wasn’t an idea cooked up in a corporate boardroom, with thousands of dollars
pumped into it. This project was started by two parents, one camcorder and no budget. It is a
story of perserverence.
"It is a great story that Greg’s 'Strength Coach' team, which broadcasts nationwide about
developing inner strength, consists of three people in wheelchairs who have severe disabilities.
Greg’s producer, Mike Ervin, also has muscular dystrophy. Mike is with us tonight, all the way
from Chicago for this event. His Webmaster, Bethany Broadwell has spinal muscular atrophy, and
the three have been working together, from different parts of the country, using the internet
to start a revolution. Bethany’s disability is so severe that she weighs 40 pounds and bathes
in the kitchen sink. It is an amazing story."
Ms. Wheelchair America, Juliette Rizzo next took the stage and called Greg Smith from behind
the curtain, to read letters sent by other disability rights leaders, including Andy Imparato
from the American Association of People with Disabilities, and Marcie Roth from the National
Spinal Cord Injury Association. Next a video message form filmmaker Joanne Caputo revealed a
strong connection between the Smith and Caputo families. And finally, Greg Smith took the
stage.
"I hope after seeing this film you all still like me," he joked, before thanking his family,
Joanne Caputo and the many loved ones in the audience.
The film, shown on a giant 20-foot screen, received a standing ovation.
"On A Roll" in Los Angeles
Spread the word throughout America's second largest market. "On A Roll" will air Saturday at
9 p.m. on KCET!
Check for repeat broadcasts nationwide.
"On A Roll" will air throughout the month of February. For a complete list of broadcast times,
click here.
Own the "On A Roll" DVD!
You can
own a DVD of the documentary with special features, including a commentary by Filmmaker
Joanne Caputo and Consulting Director Michael Ivey, "Greg's Crib," Accessible Sex Toys, Becky
Ogle's Crawl, Jim's Civil Rights, Searching for Michael Moore, Terri's Update, Crawfish, Scuba
Dive, and more!
Help ADAPT, WIN a round trip for two to Honolulu, Hawaii.
7 days/6 nights - One room/double occupancy.
Travel between Sept. 10 & Nov. 15, 2005.
Leave from any major airport in the United States.
Drawing to be held April 23, 2005.
Raffle Tickets: $5 Donation per ticket, 6 tickets for $25
If you would like to purchase a ticket(s) or assist ADAPT in selling
"Raffle for Disability Rights" tickets or just make a tax deductible
donation:
Contact The ADAPT Community
On the Platform:
To schedule a sensational,
inspirational live presentation for your next meeting or event, call "The Strength Coach" at
877-331-7563.
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