NEWRY, Maine — Actor and comedian Lenny Clarke returned to Sunday River Jan. 26-28 and helped raise over $100,000 for The Genesis Fund during their annual Celebrity Ski Classic. Over 250 participants enjoyed three days of skiing, two nights of lodging at Sunday River’s Grand Summit Hotel, receptions, a banquet, fireworks, a private Lenny Clarke 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 .

“To have increased our net income by 60 percent from 2006 is a true testament to the dedication of our hosts, donors, and participants,” said Karen Urciuoli, Special Events Manager for The Genesis Fun. “It is amazing to be involved with so many generous and wonderful people.”

This was the second year that Sunday River has hosted the Lenny Clarke Celebrity Ski Classic. Sunday River’s powerful snowmaking system provided over 110 open trails across all of its eight mountain peaks, representing the most open terrain in New Hampshire and Maine.

The highlight of the weekend was Saturday night’s Ski Banquet, which featured a live and silent auction, family entertainment from magician Joe Howard, music from Spekled Trout, a fireworks display and a comedy hour featuring Lenny Clarke, Tony V, and Brad Mastrangelo.

One auction item attracted a particularly high level of interest. A partial owner of the Red Sox donated tickets for four to a Red Sox vs. Yankees game plus time on the field before the game, batting practice, and the opportunity to sign the Green Monster. Once he saw how well the item was received, he offered another complete package to draw double the income for The Genesis Fund.

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 the Lenny Clarke Celebrity Ski Classic, Karen Urciuoli may be reached at (781) 890-4282 or at www.thegenesisfund.org . More information regarding Sunday River and its upcoming events is available at www.sundayriver.com.