Theatre owners thank their patrons who supported the effort by coming to the movies and buying concessions. Participating theatre companies also extend their heartfelt thanks to the many motion picture distribution companies that generously agreed to add their share of Tuesday's movie ticket revenue to the cause by waiving the film rental due to them for the day. In the order of the market share of tickets sold on Tuesday, participating motion picture distribution companies included the following:

• Paramount Studios
• Universal Pictures Distribution
• Sony Pictures
• Miramax Films, Inc.
• MGM Distribution Co.
• Warner Bros. Pictures
• New Line Distribution
• Buena Vista Pictures Distribution (Disney)
• Dreamworks Pictures
• Sony Pictures Classics

The members of the motion picture exhibition and distribution industry continue to recognize and commend the heroic efforts of the individuals and organizations who have worked so tirelessly in the rescue and relief operations. We wish to express our sympathy to all those whose lives were so painfully altered by the terrible events of September 11. We hope that our contribution can help ease the pain in some small way.

Background: As announced previously, 100% of Sept. 25 ticket and concession sales at participating movie theatres nationwide is being collected and will be donated to the September 11th Fund of the United Way, and the American Red Cross to benefit the needs resulting from this tragedy. Fifty percent of the proceeds collected will be donated to the American Red Cross and 50 percent will be donated to the United Way.

Over 450 exhibition companies representing over 30,000 screens Participated in the benefit. Participating exhibition and distribution companies are listed on NATO's web site at www.natoonline.org.