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 [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news