Doug Flutie, of Football Fame, Helped Jerry's Habima Theatre Kick Off Its 15th Season

(On Thursday, March 27, 2008) – for One Night Only, Doug Flutie - a fan favorite quarterback and a name synonymous with "excellence in both college and professional football," and also founder of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, visited Atlanta for two special events, benefitting Jerry's Habima Theatre, Georgia's only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals featuring actors with developmental disabilities. Jerry's Habima Theatre, a program of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is located at the MJCCA – Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.

These two Doug Flutie events, generously sponsored by Merrill Lynch, took place at the MJCCA, prior to the March 27th Jerry's Habima Theatre performance of the 2008 production, the musical classic, "Footloose." Each year, together with local professional actors from the community, these Habima Theatre performers (ages 18+) present a full-scale adaptation of a musical theatrical production.

The entire run of the 2008 Jerry's Habima Theatre production of "Footloose" was March 26 – March 30, 2008, at the MJCCA's Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. The singing, dancing and enormous charm of the show once again proved the universal appeal of Habima Theatre.

Lois Blonder, benefactor of Jerry's Habima Theatre, says, "We are thrilled to have hosted this special event featuring Doug Flutie - a Hero who truly shares our passion! We are equally as pleased to have introduced Doug to Jerry's Habima Theatre, a program that has greatly enhanced the quality of life for so many."

Doug Flutie explains, "Jerry's Habima Theatre is an extraordinary company, providing wonderful opportunities to those who were born with a disadvantage, but have worked tirelessly to turn their disabilities into abilities. We, at the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation, are committed to supporting organizations like Jerry's Habima Theatre that provide direct services, education and recreational opportunities, with the purpose of improving the quality of life for children and adults, with autism and developmental disabilities. I very much enjoyed meeting the families of these remarkable individuals at this special event."

Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism Background

In 1998, Doug and his wife, Laurie Flutie, established the "Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism" in the name of their son, Dougie, Jr. to help less-fortunate families who have children with autism. The primary goal of the Foundation is to promote awareness and support families affected by autism spectrum disorders. The Foundation is based out of Massachusetts.

Jerry's Habima Theatre Background

This year, Jerry's Habima Theatre, a program of the Blonder Family Department for Developmental Disabilities, was the proud recipient of the 2007 "Spirit of Suzi Bass" Award. As part of professional theater's much lauded Suzi Bass Awards, which recognizes and fosters professional theatrical excellence in the Atlanta area, the "Spirit of Suzi Bass" Award is given annually to a person or organization that demonstrates the long-term and consistent contribution to professionalism in Atlanta theater that embodies the spirit of the late and much beloved Suzi Bass.

Now in its 15th year, Jerry's Habima Theatre's productions have expanded in sophistication and in the number of people involved. The audience has grown from the family and friends of the actors to include the broader community. Professionally directed, the productions also feature designs by local theater artists. The participants achieve new levels of self-confidence, motivation, and socialization from the intensive three-month process of rehearsals and performances. This unique program provides a wonderful opportunity for developing new skills through a meaningful theater experience.

Through the success of these productions, Jerry's Habima Theatre has begun to increase the visibility of people with developmental disabilities in the Atlanta community in a manner that emphasizes their strengths, abilities and contributions.

About The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), "The Center of the Jewish Community," is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly regarded community centers nationally. From preschoolers and adolescents to young adults and seniors -- the MJCCA offers unique and engaging programs, events, and services for every member of the community. Please visit us on the web at atlantajcc.org.