Whale Tails Tortilla Chips, which has earned the reputation as "California's Corn Chip with a Conscience", was invited by Warner Brothers Studios to be part of the "Dolphin Tale" premier and day long block party held Saturday September 17 at the Village Theater in Westwood.
Ric Kraszewski co founder and VP Sales of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips attended the event with his wife, Terry, and daughter, Heather. Mr Kraszewski said " I was thrilled to receive the invitation from Ms Wagner at Warner Brothers and did not hesitate to immediately send a truckload of our organic tortilla chips shaped like a whale's tail featuring the artwork of world renowned marine artist Wyland as a contribution to the event. Having played just a small role in raising funds and awareness for "Winter's" story since 2005 it was thrilling to see the little dolphin's story translated into a heart warming 3D movie by screenwriters Karen Janszen and Noam Dromi."
Alcon Entertainment with distribution by Warner Brothers had Charles Martin Smith of American Graffiti fame direct "Dolphin Tale" that stars Harry Connick, Jr. Ashley Judd, Austin Stowell, Nathan Gamble, Cozi Zuehlsdorff ,Kris Kristofferson, and Academy award winner Morgan Freeman.
Terry Kraszewski, CEO and Co Founder of Whale Tails Chips, said to have the premier take place on the same day as California's Annual Coastal Cleanup Day was perfect timing by Warner Brothers. "We were able to participate in our annual beach cleanup before heading to Hollywood to walk the Red Carpet. " Terry said the the movie "Dolphin Tale" sends an inspirational message about our connections with our ocean neighbors. "Families are going to love this movie." she added. David Yates, CEO of Clearwater Aquarium and an executive producer on the movie also in attendance at the premier, echoed Terry's sentiment "The movie is having a tremendous impact, we're already feeling it .. and the film hasn't opened yet." The film will open nation wide on Friday September 23.
Also in attendance was Steve McCulloch, Program Manager of Marine Mammal Research at Harbor Branch Oceanographic. Steve was part of the "Winter" rescue team and recalled the chilly December rescue. "The line was heavily entangled around the base of "Winter's" tail fluke and the blood flow had been cut off. Fortunately for us Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Florida's West Coast had a large above ground pool was perfect for "Winter" and they accepted the injured dolphin." At Saturday's event Hanger prosthetists Dan Strzempka and Kevin Carroll, the developers of Winter's prosthetic tail were also among the attendees along with patients John Siciliano, Katy Sullivan and Cameron Clapp and Hanger clinicians Kevin Carroll and Michael Carroll. Thanks to the innovative prosthetic work of Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics along with the rescue and rehabilitative care of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Winter's story of survival will become an inspiration to people all over the world.
Steve of Harbor Branch Oceanographic and the folks at Clearwater Aquarium couldn't have known at the time that they were creating a movie star. But thanks to the folks at Warner Brothers and Alcon Entertainment, audiences nationwide will soon know the remarkable story of "Winter". She is the star of "Dolphin Tale" and the founders of Whale Tails Tortilla Chips know the film is going to create a new awareness about threats facing marine mammals and what we can do to lessen those threats. The film is also a reminder that if we are willing to "chip in", anything is possible, and our world just might have more happy endings.
About Clearwater Aquarium: The Clearwater Aquarium in Clearwater Florida specializes in marine life rehabilitation. www.seewinter.com/
About Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics -- With 670+ patient care centers nationwide, the certified clinicians of Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics provide patients with the latest in orthotic and prosthetic solutions, including microprocessor devices for those with limb loss and neuromuscular technologies for those with paralysis due to stroke, MS and other debilitating conditions.www.hanger.com
About HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution, Inc. HBOI is one of the world's leading nonprofit oceanographic research organizations dedicated to exploration of the earth's oceans, estuaries and coastal regions for the benefit of mankind. www.fau.edu/hboi/
About Alcon Entertainment: Alcon Entertainment, LLC is an American film production company, founded in 1997 by film producers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove. For more information on Warner Brothers and to view the movie's trailer visit http://dolphintalemovie.
About Whale Tails Tortilla Chips: Whale Tails Tortilla Chips is America's fastest growing organic,non gmo, gluten free tortilla chip company on a mission to educate that food choices effect not only our personal health but also that of our marine environment. Whale Tails Tortilla Chips recent partnership with the Wyland Foundation will help to provide the tools children need to be good stewards of our oceans. Available at Whole Foods Markets and other natural food stores in California. Learn more at http://www.whaletailschips.com
