NEWRY, Maine — Actor and comedian Lenny Clarke is returning to Sunday River January 25-27 to host his annual Ski Classic benefiting 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.

This will be the third year that Sunday River has hosted the Lenny Clarke Ski Classic. Over 350 guests attended Sunday River’s first Ski Classic in 2006, raising a record $70,000 for the Genesis Fund; last year’s event raised over $100,000 for the charity. This season guests will enjoy superb conditions thanks to 100″ of natural snow to date and Sunday River’s powerful snowmaking system.

Kathleen Marchi, Director of Special Events for the Genesis Fund says, “The combination of terrific skiing, a warm and welcoming resort, hysterical comedians and a compelling charity makes this an extraordinary weekend. What makes it truly special however, is Lenny Clarke’s dedication to The Genesis Fund. You feel it whether he’s chatting with the patient family representing The National Birth Defects Center, mingling with guests including local celebrities and former pro athletes or performing his comedy show exclusively for us.”

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 most recently appears in the recurring role of “Uncle Teddy” on the FX drama Rescue Me. Clarke has also acted in films and believes in using his talents to benefit others.

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.

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