BOSTON, MA (October 17, 2006)

The City of Boston today named renowned athlete and philanthropist, Doug Flutie, the 2006 recipient of the Red, White & Blue Award for his unyielding support of the Boston community. The prestigious award, given to Bruce Springsteen and Oscar Robertson in past years, will be presented to Doug Flutie at a benefit concert featuring Keith Lockhart, the legendary band Boston and many other special guests.

The Award concert will also serve as a retirement celebration for Flutie and will take place at Symphony Hall on November 13th, which has been designated “Doug Flutie Day” by the city of Boston. Concert tickets go on sale today, with proceeds going to the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism to help the Foundation further improve the lives of those touched by autism.

Boston, who have not performed on stage for two years feel honored to join this important event. Boston founder and guitarist Tom Scholz says, “At a time when so many people in the spotlight are a glaring disappointment, Doug Flutie is a breath of fresh air, and a reminder that that there are still real heroes in the world you can look up to.” The band performing on November 13, 2006 will be Tom Scholz, original singer Brad Delp, guitarist Gary Pihl, Bass-vocals Kimberley Dahme and Jeff Neal on drums.

“At the core of the American Express brand lies a deep commitment to community, so it is only fitting that we recognize a man who has never wavered in his commitment to his own hometown,” said Lisa Gregg, vice president, Marketing, American Express Establishment Services. “In all that he does in raising awareness and support for families with autism, Doug Flutie has been an incredibly positive influence, both regionally and nationally.”

Doug Flutie, who recently retired his 21-year career as a football player, has long been recognized in the Boston area for his contributions on and off the field. Known for achievements that serve as bookends to a highly successful college and professional football career – from the famous “Hail Mary” pass during his Heisman Trophy-winning career at Boston College to his remarkable conversion of the first dropkick in 60 years for the Patriots in 2005 – Flutie has inspired thousands of Boston-area kids to defeat the odds and pursue their dreams.

His work off the field has made an even greater impact on communities both in Boston and around the country. Teamed with his wife, Laurie, the Fluties established the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation in honor of their son, Doug, Jr., who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Since 1998, they have helped raise over eight million dollars for autism.

The Red, White & Blue Award Benefit Concert
The Red, White & Blue Award is an ongoing program that honors local heroes and gives communities the chance to say “thank you” to those homegrown musicians, artists, athletes and dignitaries who never forgot their roots. The accompanying concert event enables renowned artists and celebrities to pay tribute to the honoree while raising funds for a local charity of the honorees’ choice.

Presented to Bruce Springsteen in 2004 and Oscar (“The Big O”) Robertson in 2005, the Red, White & Blue Award will be presented to Flutie at a special ceremony at Symphony Hall on November 13, 2006. The ceremony will include a benefit concert, featuring performances from Boston’s own Keith Lockhart, the band Boston featuring founding members Tom Scholz and Brad Delp, as well as other special guests.

ABOUT:

Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism
The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. was established by Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, in honor of their son, Doug, Jr. who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. The Foundation’s mission is to aid financially disadvantaged families who need assistance in caring for their children with autism; to fund education and research into the causes and consequences of childhood autism; and to serve as a clearinghouse and communications center for new programs and services developed for individuals with autism. www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org

American Express
Establishment Services is the merchant network of American Express, which acquires and maintains relationships with millions of merchants around the globe, which welcome American Express-branded Cards. American Express Company is a leading global payments, network, travel and banking company founded in 1850.

Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines is the world’s second-largest airline in terms of passengers carried and the leading U.S. carrier across the Atlantic, offering daily flights to 502 destinations in 88 countries on Delta, Song, Delta Shuttle, the Delta Connection carriers and its worldwide partners. Delta’s marketing alliances allow customers to earn and redeem frequent flier miles on more than 14,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com.

EPOP International
EPOP International founded by David Clark is comprised of a dedicated team of media-production professionals who harness the talents of renowned artists, celebrities and dignitaries by leveraging their extensive industry contacts and their own creative experience to craft unique events that raise funds and awareness for some of the most significant causes of our time. EPOP is the creator and producer of the Red, White & Blue Awards.