NEWRY, Maine — Actor and comedian Lenny Clarke is returning to Sunday River Jan. 27-29 to host his annual Celebrity Ski Classic to benefit The Genesis Fund. Participants will enjoy three days of skiing, two nights of lodging at Sunday River’s Grand Summit Hotel, receptions, a banquet, fireworks, a comedy show and more.

Founded in 1982 by Murray Feingold, The Genesis Fund has raised over $20 million for New England area children born with birth defects, mental retardation and genetic diseases. The Genesis Fund sponsors other organizations such as the National Birth Defects Center, Therapy and Performing Arts, and the Pregnancy Exposure Info Line. Further information is available at www.thegenesisfund.org.

This will be the second year that Sunday River has hosted the Lenny Clarke Celebrity Ski Classic. Over 350 guests attended Sunday River’s first Celebrity Ski Classic in 2006, raising a record $70,000 for the Genesis Fund.

“Last year’s event at Sunday River exceeded my expectations. Our participants enjoyed an amazing weekend plus we were able to apply over $70,000 towards the various programs The Genesis Fund supports,” said Karen Urciuoli, Special Events Manager for The Genesis Fund. “The 2006 event set the record for the Ski Classics’ charitable giving. Needless to say we’re very excited to return to Maine and relive the wonderful spirit of giving, with the amazing talent of Lenny Clarke.”

Clarke was born, raised, and educated in Massachusetts and began his comedy career on the stand-up circuit in Boston. He has since acted in many television series and films, and believes in using his talents to benefit others.

For more information on participating in the Lenny Clarke Celebrity Ski Classic, guests are urged to call Karen Urciuoli at (781) 890-4282 or visit www.thegenesisfund.org. More information regarding Sunday River’s upcoming events is available at www.sundayriver.com.