wfn.org | Hallmark Channel To Air 'Davey And Goliath's Snowboard Christmas'

[<NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

Dec. 18
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 30, 2005

Hallmark Channel To Air 'Davey And Goliath's Snowboard Christmas' Dec. 18
05-234-JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Hallmark Channel will broadcast "Davey and
Goliath's Snowboard Christmas" Dec. 18 at 7 a.m. Eastern/Pacific.
"Snowboard Christmas," a one-hour, stop-motion animation
television special from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA), made its broadcast debut on Hallmark in 2004.
     "Davey and Goliath" is a property of the ELCA.  Faith-based
adventures featuring Davey and his talking dog, Goliath, aired on
commercial television in the 1960s and 1970s.  The ELCA's mission
with Davey and Goliath is to bring "moral and religious faith-
based values to a new generation of children in lively and
engaging ways."
     "Snowboard Christmas" won two significant awards this year.
It was named a "Best of Show" winner in the 2005 Aurora Awards
and was a 2005 Telly Awards category finalist in Film/Video
Television Programs for Children. Aurora Awards recognize
excellence in independent film and video production.  The Telly
Awards are premier awards honoring outstanding local, regional
and cable television commercials and programs, as well as video
and films.
     "Snowboard Christmas" was the first new Davey and Goliath
production in 30 years.
     "Through the magic of stop-motion animation, we follow Davey
and Goliath on an exciting snowboarding adventure.  During this
adventure Davey learns some dazzling snowboard maneuvers and some
very important lessons about the real meaning of Christmas, and
about understanding and respect for people who are different than
he is," said Kristi S. Bangert, interim executive director and
director for marketing and interpretation, ELCA Communication
Services.
     No Davey and Goliath story would be complete without "Davey
getting into trouble, even after being cautioned by Goliath, his
faithful companion and conscience," Bangert said.  "'Snowboard
Christmas' is no exception.  Davey makes a bad decision that
lands him and his new friends, Sam and Yasmeen, in a dangerous
situation.  Maybe not even Goliath will be able to save the day
this time."
     "In this episode, as in every other, Davey's parents play an
important role in helping Davey understand the consequences of
his decisions and actions," Bangert said.  Davey's parents are
very secure in their understanding of God's love for children.
That message is conveyed not only to children but also to adults
who learn about love for fellow human beings, she said.
     The special also portrays the themes of unity and oneness
among Christians, Jews and Muslims.  Davey, a Christian, meets
Sam, who is Jewish, and Yasmeen, who is Muslim.
     "Baby Boomers, teens and tots will be engaged and find
something appealing with this family special.  We are especially
excited to be involved with Hallmark Channel through Faith and
Values Media, and we hope that 'Davey and Goliath's Snowboard
Christmas' will be a traditional family favorite for years to
come," said Ava Odom Martin, director for public media, ELCA
Communication Services.
     "Davey and Goliath's Snowboard Christmas" was produced by
Premavision, Inc. (Clokey Productions), Los Osos, Calif., and
executive produced by the ELCA.
     Earlier this month the ELCA and Starlight Home
Entertainment, Inc., Los Angeles, released "Snowboard Christmas"
on DVD.  The DVD includes a behind-the-scenes bonus feature about
the making of Davey and Goliath programs and "family portraits."
It is available in major retail outlets across the country and
from Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA.
 _ _ _
     Information about Davey and Goliath is available at
http://www.daveyandgoliath.org -- the official Davey and Goliath
Web site maintained by the ELCA.
     Images of "Davey and Goliath Snowboard Christmas" are at
http://www.daveyandgoliath.org/media/snowboard.images.html
on the Internet.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news