On Monday, July 26, 2004, at 6:00 P.M., the ACLU Foundation of Southern California will host its annual Torch of Liberty Awards Dinner at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. The event honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of civil liberties.

This year's event will honor actor/activists Marg Helgenberger ("CSI", "Erin Brockovich", "Species I & II"), Alan Rosenberg ("L.A. Law") and Paula Weinstein (producer of "Analyze This" and "Analyze That"). The fundraiser will be hosted by comedian Bill Maher ("Politically Incorrect"). Tickets are available for the public to attend this gala dinner event.

Marg Helgenberger and Alan Rosenberg are an inspirational couple. Their work on screen and their personal commitment to social activism off screen show a tremendous dedication to equality and justice. If you look at their careers in hindsight, one could argue that they have both actively pursued work that is not only rewarding as an actor, but also rife with socially relevant material. This is evidenced by Alan's impressive work on the legal dramas The Guardian and L.A. Law and Marg's award-winning work on China Beach and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and her performance in Steven Soderbergh's widely acclaimed Erin Brockovich. Their activism is confirmed by their long-time support of the ACLU, their annual fundraiser for the cancer center at Jennie Edmunson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Omaha, and their involvement with organizations including Penny Lane, serving abused and neglected children; the Lili Claire/UNLV Life Skills Center, helping people with neurogenic disabilities; Huckleberry Fund for the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles; Diving for Life, International Gay & Lesbian SCUBA Jamboree and The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.

"The Torch of Liberty Award was created to acknowledge the contributions made by individuals from the media and arts & entertainment industry whose creative and sometimes daring work affirms the democratic principles that underlie the promise of 'liberty and justice for all,'" said Ramona Ripston, executive director of the Southern California ACLU.

The event takes place Monday, July 26, 2004 at 6:00 p.m., and will be held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, 9500 Wilshire Blvd. Tickets start at $300, and all proceeds contribute to the ACLU Foundation' of Southern California's watchdog efforts. For additional ticket information call toll free: 877/225-8487.

Also expected to attend the event are: Danny Goldberg, Larry Flynt, Alan Poul, John Wells, Mayor of West Hollywood John Duran, Keith Carradine, John Sacret Young, and Steven Bochco.