FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Anti-Bullying Presentation and Fundraiser Set for Perth Amboy School

Greentown, PA, September 2004 – Authors and performers, Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis will present Milton's Dilemma and the Consequences of Bullying to students at James J. Flynn Elementary School on Friday, October 8, 2004 in a special assembly during regular school hours. In conjunction with their visit, the authors will offer their new children's book at a discount to students and faculty. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Flynn School.

Research shows that over 75% of today's youth will be exposed to some aspect of bullying before they reach high school. For a child repeatedly victimized by a bully, humiliation, fear, anxiety, and depression are constant companions that can lead to harmful, shocking and unexpected behavior from an otherwise shy and timid child. Victims may feel ashamed and tend to view themselves as failures. They are more prone to stress related illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches. In extreme cases, the victim of a bully can experience sever depression and entertain thoughts of suicide.

Based on their book, MILTON'S DILEMMA, this husband and wife creative team tell the tale of a lonely boy's struggles with the school bullies and provide an entertaining, yet thorough-provoking platform for educators to build upon. With a dramatic reading of their story, guitar playing and original songs, Gatto and De Angelis explain the consequences of bullying and encourage children to come forward to report such incidences. They also share real life experiences and explain the events that led them to pen this tale.

Their goal is to foster literacy and inspire creativity while providing children with an understanding of their rights to a safe and healthy learning environment. Gatto and De Angelis have a unique approach to the standard author visit. Each school receives a lesson plan prior to the assembly. The projects and worksheets they created focus on kindness, friendship and individuality and stress artistic endeavors as a means to build confidence and self-esteem. But these children's advocates don't leave the students when the presentation is over. Gatto and De Angelis continue to be available through their new venture, AuthorPal, a modern-day version of a pen pal correspondence via e-mail.

"Often times, a child is alone in their suffering, simply too embarrassed to speak up. Sadly, there are also times when adults are too busy to listen. We want to be that extra pair of ears and open arms. We encourage students to turn to us whenever they need someone to talk to. The easies way is through e-mail. However, if we receive correspondence of a more serious nature, we pick up the phone immediately and contact the school principal or guidance department for intervention," Gatto said.

MILTON'S DILEMMA is available through their company, Joyful Productions at www.joyfulproductions.com, on Amazon and other online booksellers and in bookstores. Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis appear at schools, libraries and community events The authors/screenwriters are available for interviews and presentations and are especially interested in participating in fundraisers for the benefit of children. They can be reached by calling 570-857-0255.

In addition to their school visits, Gatto and De Angelis will perform at the 5^th Black Bear Film Festival in Milford, PA October 15-17 and the 2^nd Annual Nutley Book Fair in Nutley, NJ on November 20^th. Plans are currently underway with the Children's Cultural Center of Red Bank, NJ for a special fundraising event.