CHICAGO — Building on five decades of defending free speech and American civil liberties, the Playboy Foundation today announced the creation of the new Freedom of Expression Award — a $25,000 seed grant to fund the work of a noteworthy advocate for the First Amendment.
“The Playboy Foundation’s new Freedom of Expression Award is designed to support the work of an exceptional person dedicated to protecting the First Amendment rights of all Americans,” said Christie Hefner, Chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises Inc. “This new award is a great addition to the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards, and will help to focus public attention on the continuing threats to our civil liberties.”
The $25,000 Freedom of Expression Award will help to support the work of an individual whose record of accomplishments indicates a promising future as an effective advocate for the First Amendment. Preference will be given to emerging leaders for whom the cash grant will make a significant difference in their ability to pursue the goal of protecting and promoting free speech in all its forms.
Christie Hefner created the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards in 1979 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in the vital effort to protect and enhance First Amendment rights for Americans.
Over the last three decades, more than 125 valiant advocates for First Amendment freedoms — from lawyers and journalists to librarians, filmmakers and high school students — have been recognized with the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award. Historically, award winners have worked in journalism, education, book publishing, arts, entertainment, government and law.
In addition to creating the new Freedom of Expression Award this year, the Playboy Foundation is doubling the value of the cash award for the original Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards to $10,000. The Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award winners will be honored at a ceremony to be held at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles.
The Playboy Foundation will accept nominations for the 2008 Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards, including the Freedom of Expression Award, through July 4. For more information, or to submit a nomination, please contact the Playboy Foundation at 312-373-2435 or go to www.playboyenterprises.com/foundation
The Playboy Foundation supports local and national nonprofit organizations that protect the rights of the individual in a free society. Since its inception in 1965, the Foundation has awarded nearly $20 million in grants and in-kind contributions to organizations concerned with First Amendment freedoms, civil liberties and social justice.
www.playboyenterprises.com/foundation/