Posted by Bud on May 28, 2010 at 20:48:48:
Comcast SportsNet will be doing something different and special next week. Instead of the usual sports fare, they will air a special presentation entitled "Bill Smith: Lasting Impressions," which details the amazing story of how Chicago sports photographer Bill Smith and his wife Lauren visited Cambodia in 2002 and how it changed their lives forever. This touching half-hour documentary of heartache, hope, love and triumph premieres Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 at 7:00pm exclusively on CSN.
"Bill Smith: Lasting Impressions" is narrated by CSN's Chuck Garfien. The special introduces us to Bill Smith, who has been the official team photographer for the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears for many years. During their 2002 Cambodian visit, their guide on this particular trip suggested they visit the Cambodian children. What they witnessed stunned them. Families were living in garbage dumps, scavenging for items which often totaled to no more than ten dollars a month. Bill and his wife Lauren then sponsored some of the children, got them out of the dump and organized a scenario to send them to school.
Back in the US, the Smith's did all they could to donate money and build homes for these families. Over the next several years, they were able to form a foundation called "A New Day Cambodia" (www.ANewDayCambodia.com) and officially became a 501c3 non-profit organization and a verified NGO (Non-Government Organization) in Cambodia.
The story grows from there. During one of their visits to Cambodia, the Smiths visited the area orphanage and immediately fell in love with two babies there, which in turn led them to adopting the pair.
In addition to the May 31st showing, Comcast SportsNet will re-air "Bill Smith: Lasting Impressions" throughout the month of June, including these following dates/times: June 2 (11:00pm), June 3 (7:30pm), June 13 (5:00 & 7:30pm), June 14 (7:00pm), June 25 (11:30am & 11:00pm) and June 27 (9:30pm).
Viewers are urged to visit a special multimedia video page set up on Comcast SportsNet's website, CSNChicago.com, which will include video footage from the television version of "Bill Smith: Lasting Impressions" and exclusive website-only video excerpts not shown on television. Additionally, CSNChicago.com will provide a photo gallery from Bill and Lauren's recent visits to Cambodia, a "Producer's Point" show overview & behind-the-scenes commentary from Comcast SportsNet producer Sarah Lauch, along with a link for viewers to make a donation to "A New Day in Cambodia."