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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn are among the big names lending their support to a special benefit opening for the 'Trail of Tears Drama' set for June 22 at the Tsa La Gi Amphitheater at the Cherokee Heritage Center. The Carters co-chair this special event with Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg and former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller.

"The benefit helps raise awareness of the Cherokee Heritage Center both nationally and locally, and helps foster support for Heritage Center events", said Mary Ellen Meredith, President of the Cherokee National Historical Society Inc. "We encourage individuals and businesses to join us June 22 in celebrating the success of the drama."

The 'Trail of Tears Drama' is one of the top 100 events in North America, according to the American Bus Association, whose members schedule bus tours across the country. Those tours helped bring thousands of visitors to Tahlequah last year, the first year of the drama’s revival. The special benefit opening is designed to help underwrite the drama for the entire summer run.

"While the economic impact is significant, the educational opportunity afforded by the production of the drama is more noteworthy", said Kennedy Schlossberg. "The drama is a striking way to educate guests about the remarkable Cherokee story."

The Cherokee Heritage Center is offering sponsorships for the special benefit opening. Platinum Sponsors, who donate $5,000 or more, will tour the Heritage Center and receive eight tickets to attend the special benefit opening performance of the 'Trail of Tears Drama', as well as a V.I.P. reception, an exclusive dinner for eight, a silent auction and a special cast party after the performance. Platinum Sponsors will also receive a limited edition gift from Cherokee Heritage Pottery.

Gold sponsors, who donate $2,500, will tour the Heritage Center and receive four tickets to attend the special benefit opening performance of the 'Trail of Tears Drama', as well as a V.I.P. reception, an exclusive dinner for four, a silent auction and a special cast party after the performance. Gold Sponsors will also receive a limited edition gift from Cherokee Heritage Pottery.

Silver sponsors, who donate $600, will receive one ticket to attend the special benefit opening performance of the 'Trail of Tears Drama', as well as a V.I.P. reception, an exclusive dinner, a silent auction and a special cast party after the performance. Silver Sponsors will also receive a limited edition gift from Cherokee Heritage Pottery.

Bronze Sponsors, who donate $250, will receive one ticket to attend the special benefit opening performance of the 'Trail of Tears Drama', as well as a V.I.P. reception, an exclusive dinner, a silent auction and a special cast party after the performance

Copper Sponsors, who donate $100, will receive one ticket to the dinner and the special benefit opening performance of the 'Trail of Tears Drama', as well as a special cast party after the performance.

Sponsors include NOKSI Press, Cherokee Nation Enterprises, Rennard Strickland, and Bank of America.

Among the confirmed attendees are Gail Norton, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith.

The drama, which will feature international opera star Barbara McAlister and Gene McFall reprising his role as Will Rogers, will be performed every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. between June 22 and Labor Day. For more information on the special benefit opening, contact the Cherokee Heritage Center, phone: 918-456-6007 or toll free: 888-999-6007.