New Orleans (February 26, 2007) --  The Fore!Kids Foundation, producers of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, today announced the creation of the first public art display in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina.  Akin to Zurich’s Cows on Parade and New Orleans’ own Festival of Fins,  and titled Fleurs de Lis Fore!Kids, the display will feature 40 locally-designed fleur de lis sculptures displayed around Orleans and Jefferson Parishes.

Conceived as a mode to raise additional funds above and beyond the Zurich Classic for area children’s charities, the fleur de lis sculptures will remain in public spaces in New Orleans until the end of the year, at which time they will be auctioned to the highest bidder.  All proceeds directly benefit the Fore!Kids Foundation, which helps to raise money for over 35 local children’s service organizations.

The fleur de lis, long a symbol of perfection, light and life, has now come to signify the rebirth of New Orleans around the world.  It was for this reason the Fore!Kids Foundation chose the fleur de lis as the project’s icon.

“The beauty in this project is not only in the fleurs de lis themselves, but in what we can do for children’s charities as a result,” said Tommy Fonseca, president of the Fore!Kids Foundation.

In order to achieve the greatest possible product, the Foundation hired Kern Studios to create the four-foot-tall fiberglass sculptures that will be seen around the city in the coming weeks.  They then collaborated with the Arts Council of New Orleans to hire local artists to create original works of art surrounding the fleurs de lis. 

“We are most appreciative to everyone at the Arts Council for their expertise and support during this project,” said Fonseca.  “They definitely taught us the tricks of the trade, as well as helped us collect amazing artists to participate in the project.”

“We are delighted to partner with the Fore!Kids Foundation in providing this opportunity to recognize and showcase the talents of our local artists,” said Shirley Trusty Corey, President and CEO of the Arts Council of New Orleans.

Artist Tuna Seither unveiled the first personalized fleur de lis sculpture at a press conference in Jackson Square today.  Seither is the first artist to complete a fleur de lis.  Other artists who will participate in the project include Michelle Levine, Michael Cain, Bill McInnis, Jacques Soulas, Lorraine Gendron, Robert Guthrie, Larry Nevil, and Evelyn Menge.

Any company or individual interested in purchasing a fleur de lis prior to the auction should call the Fore!Kids Foundation at 504-342-3000.  For further information on the Fore!Kids Foundation and its mission, please visit www.forekidsfoundation.com.  For further information on the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, please visit www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

About the Fore!Kids Foundation
The Fore!Kids Foundation produces the annual stop on the PGA TOUR in New Orleans. Since its inception, the Foundation has helped to raise more than $15 million to area charities. Additionally, the Fore!Kids Foundation, through the PGA TOUR event, provides an estimated $25 million in annual economic impact to the City and State. The tournament is televised to an international audience, allowing millions of people to see some of the area’s greatest attractions.

About Zurich Financial Services
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 55,000 people serving customers in more than 120 countries.