Las Vegas Hilton

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Ketchum
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Comedian Kathy Griffin Takes the First Bite

Las Vegas, NV, March 28, 2006 – From french fries to fajitas…hundreds of Las Vegans will help Alka-Seltzer?, the antacid known for its effervescent fast relief of indigestion and heartburn, celebrate its 75th anniversary with an attempt to set a “Guinness World Record” for the “World’s Largest Buffet.” The 500 item buffet will open to the public at 11:00 AM on March 28th*. Located at the classic Las Vegas Hilton, the buffet will be hosted by actress and comedian Kathy Griffin and provide the perfect backdrop for Alka-Seltzer to celebrate its rich history of relief through 75 years of relieving generations of Americans from their most overindulgent moments.

“I’m excited to host this event. I’ve certainly had many overindulgent moments of my own,” said Kathy Griffin. “Alka-Seltzer is synonymous with relief and humor, two things I enjoy sharing with my audiences.”

“Alka-Seltzer is one of the most iconic brands in American history, generating great nostalgic imagery which has kept the brand a mainstay of popular culture for 75 years,” said Jay Kolpon, vice president, marketing and new business, Bayer HealthCare’s Consumer Care Division. “A brand with such tremendous heritage calls for an anniversary celebration that will be one for the record books.”

Complete with dazzling ice sculptures, bubbling décor, effervescent columns, and Alka-Seltzer relief stations, the “Guinness World Record” attempt requires a minimum of 500 distinct dishes and will be presented throughout the 140-foot length of one of the Las Vegas Hilton’s premiere ballrooms. Spread atop more than 500 feet of combined table surface, culinary delights will include: BBQ style beef ribs, Mongolian chicken, salmon Wellington, cheese quesadillas, crispy buttermilk fried chicken, beef tenderloin tips braised in red wine, Tandoori chicken, soba noodle salad, chef carved bourbon glazed ham, wood roasted chicken breast, tiramisu, New York style cheesecake and German chocolate cake. More than 20 chefs and sous chefs from the Hilton will be on hand to prepare the food.

“Vegas is the ultimate city of overindulgence. We are known for our entertainment icons, 24-hour excitement and countless buffets,” said Ken Ciancimino, executive vice president, Las Vegas Hilton. “The Hilton has been home to many icons over the years, including Elvis Presley and currently Barry Manilow, so its only fitting that we help celebrate another iconic brand.”

Providing relief on an additional level, Alka-Seltzer will donate funds and food from the Las Vegas “World’s Largest Buffet” to America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network, the nation's largest charitable hunger-relief organization. “The Bayer Consumer Care Division has been a valued contributor to our organization for many years,” said Robert Forney, president and CEO, America’s Second Harvest. “We are grateful they thought of us again, during such a special anniversary year.”

Alka-Seltzer? History
Alka-Seltzer was introduced by Miles Laboratories in 1931 and brought to market as a remedy for headaches and indigestion. Rooted in American popular culture, the brand is well known for its historical creative and memorable advertising campaigns, including “Speedy Alka-Seltzer” and the famous jingle “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz.” Other famous, award-winning campaigns include 1969’s “Mama Mia, That’s A Spicy Meatball,” 1971’s "Try It, You’ll Like It” and the 1972 spot “I Can’t Believe I Ate Whole Thing,” which went on to become one of Newsweek magazine’s 10 most memorable lines of the decade. In honor of the brand’s 75th Anniversary, “I Can’t Believe” was remade starring Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle of “Everybody Loves Raymond” fame.

About Alka -Seltzer ?
For fast relief of heartburn, acid indigestion and pain turn to Alka-Seltzer, the fast acting relief that millions have relied on for 75 years. Alka-Seltzer gently breaks up and dissolves away the full feeling of indigestion, heartburn and pain fast. Alka-Seltzer is now available in a wide variety of formulas and flavors including original and lemon-lime, as well as Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength for the most powerful relief, Alka-Seltzer for Heartburn Relief, Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief for hangover symptoms, Alka-Seltzer Gold for gentle relief, and Alka-Seltzer PM for nighttime relief. When you experience acid indigestion, sour stomach, heartburn and pain trust Alka-Seltzer for relief of your symptoms. When you need fast relief, take Alka-Seltzer.

About Las Vegas Hilton
The Las Vegas Hilton ranks among the world’s most famous and popular resort destinations, located blocks from the Las Vegas Strip and adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center, offering 3,000 luxurious rooms and suites situated on 59 acres. The property is one of the largest hotels in the world and features top-name entertainment, 15 distinctive restaurants, a full-service health club and spa, Star Trek: The Experience and much more.

Resorts International is an affiliate of Colony Capital LLC and is the only privately held gaming company licensed in four gaming jurisdictions: Indiana (Resorts East Chicago), Nevada (Las Vegas Hilton), New Jersey (Resorts Atlantic City, the Atlantic City Hilton), and Mississippi (Resorts Tunica and Bally’s Tunica).

* The World’s Largest Buffet is open to the public, but it is first come first serve. Capacity is limited and seating cannot be guaranteed.