NEW YORK (June 14) – Jeff Green, driver of the No. 66 Best Buy Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, will join sports and music celebrities on the red carpet in New York City this Monday, June 18.

Green will be in Manhattan to attend the Sixth Annual Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope gala dinner, which honors sports legends Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason, Joe Torre, Wayne Gretzky, Arnold Palmer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, as well as former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, for their continuing philanthropic efforts with their respective charities.

“Live with Regis and Kelly” host Regis Philbin will be the special opening guest at the gala, and Singer, Songwriter, Actress Alicia Keys will give an exclusive special performance at the event, which will be held at New York’s Cipriani Wall Street.

During the charity fundraiser, Green will accept a check on behalf of the Magic Johnson Foundation (MJF). Founded by basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, MJF identifies and supports community-based organizations that address the educational, health, and social needs of children, young adults and inner-city communities throughout the nation.

MJF also donates needed funds to organizations that provide HIV/AIDS prevention and health care education to the minority community.

Samsung, an associate sponsor of the No. 66 car, introduced Green and Johnson earlier this year when Green’s No. 66 Best Buy Chevrolet carried a special paint design promoting Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope and the Magic Johnson Foundation at the NASCAR race in Las Vegas. Johnson attended the event as an honorary crew chief for the Best Buy team.

“It’s an honor to be a part of such a great event,” said Green. “I’m proud to be associated with Samsung and the wonderful work they’re doing, raising funds for so many worthy causes. It’s going to be a little intimidating to shake hands with all those sports legends, but I’m flattered to be a part of it all, especially representing an amazing organization like the Magic Johnson Foundation.”

Launched in 2002 by Samsung Electronics America, Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope is an innovative goodwill program dedicated to raising awareness and funds through national retail promotions with Best Buy and other retailers. The retailers have encouraged their customers to donate to the program through sales promotions and sweepstakes.

During the month of March, Samsung donated a percentage of each unit sold at Best Buy stores to Johnson’s Foundation. Categories included Consumer Electronics (television, audio & video), Home Appliances (refrigerators and microwaves), and Information Technology products (monitors and printers). Best Buy customers also received a free Best Buy gift card for purchasing select Samsung products during the promotion, and a sweepstakes awarded one lucky couple a VIP trip to the NASCAR race in Phoenix, Ariz., in April.

The Samsung Four Seasons of Hope gala attracts a star-studded roster of celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment and politics. The event will feature a silent auction of sports memorabilia and other items to raise funds for each participating celebrities’ charities and foundations. Information about purchasing tickets for the Sixth Annual Samsung's Four Seasons of Hope gala can be found on www.fourseasonsofhope.com.