Dallas, TX, April 5, 2013 – The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation partnered with The Larry Hagman Foundation, along with the Dallas Film Society and LOOK Cinemas, to offer students from Dallas Independent School District a chance to experience the Dallas International Film Festival in a unique way on Opening Day, Thursday, April 4. More than 100 students from Dunbar Elementary and Dade Middle School – through The Larry Hagman Foundation partnership with Frazier Revitalization, Inc. – enjoyed a walk down the red carpet, a matinee screening of the animated film “The Croods”, and an opportunity for a brief Q&A with filmmakers following the screening.

Arthur E. Benjamin, chairman of the Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation, sponsored the Dallas International Film Festival for the fourth year and partnered with The Larry Hagman Foundation as a way to provide an extraordinary and educational experience benefiting children of Dallas in honor of the late Larry Hagman.

“Larry was my friend, my mentor and one of those ‘bigger than life personalities’ that touched one’s life and heart in such a way that things are never the same again,” described Benjamin. “This partnership with The Larry Hagman Foundation is about remembering a great ‘Dallas Point of Light’ by recognizing Mr. Hagman’s works and his contributions to the underprivileged children and youth of Dallas. We are grateful to honor him in this special way.”

LOOK Cinemas provided popcorn and juice boxes for the students, as well as Croods-themed toys and a mini poster. The Larry Hagman Foundation also provided door prizes and giveaways.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of Arthur E. Benjamin and the Dallas International Film Festival for providing the students of Dunbar Elementary and Dade Middle School with this educational and entertaining experience,” said Lisa Blue Baron, president of The Larry Hagman Foundation. “Larry would have been overjoyed about being a part of this field trip with the students he was so proud to support through his Foundation.”

Students arrived at LOOK Cinemas at 1:30pm and stepped off of the school bus onto the red carpet. Once escorted to their seats inside the auditorium, they heard from the Dallas Film Society, Baron and Benjamin before the movie started.

“We are glad to work with such great organizations as the Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation and The Larry Hagman Foundation in order to honor such an icon as Larry Hagman,” said Renée Contreras, Director of Membership, Education and Outreach of the Dallas Film Society. “This was such an incredible opportunity to expose these students to the art of film.”

ABOUT ARTHUR E. BENJAMIN

Arthur E. Benjamin is an internationally recognized educator, corporate leader, philanthropist and animal welfare advocate. He has founded, acquired and/or grown numerous businesses and educational institutions, as well as other nonprofit organizations, including American Dog Rescue and The Butterfly Effect Foundation (also known as the Gail L. & Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation). His primary goal in business and philanthropy is “Better Lives for People and Pets,” fueled specifically by his passions for education, animal rescue and the fight against breast cancer.

ABOUT THE LARRY HAGMAN FOUNDATION

The Larry Hagman Foundation, founded by the late Larry Hagman, supports and promotes creative arts education for economically disadvantaged children in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. The Foundation was launched in October 2012 to promote the educational benefits of theater, visual arts, dance and music and to fund organizations providing these instructional programs for low-income children. Thanks to the support of Larry’s friends, cast members, and generous donors, the Larry Hagman Foundation continues to inspire children, right here in Dallas, to fulfill their dreams. For more information visit www.larryhagmanfoundation.org.