FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Narberth, Pa., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- When Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and later killed in January of 2002, it affected Narberth businessman/artist Richard Zakroff on many levels.

He was outraged by what he calls "a stupid and hateful event" and what the WSJ called "an act of barbarism." He mourned not only for the loss of an American, a fellow Jew and an admired journalist, but for journalists' families, too.

A marketing VP for a web company that trades in jewelry, he fashioned a new piece of art from hundreds of old watches in the shape of a newsman and plans to auction it on eBay for the benefit of the Daniel Pearl Foundation. See www.ReporterAuction.org.

"People rarely look behind the scenes. All they see is the news clip that is being delivered. How often does anyone think about the correspondent? These journalists leave their families and risk their lives for their craft to provide effective content in the few seconds they are allotted," Zakroff explained.

"I would always think about what it took to bring the programming to the audience. Who were these people and what were their lives like in doing so?" he asked.

Zakroff's work of art did not start out as a news correspondent; it started out as a life-size robot that would have unusual lighting, as another item to display in his home along with other pieces he has created over the years. "I have always loved building things and have always been interested in lighting and expressing myself through art," he said. "The murder of Daniel Pearl was heavy on my mind while I worked and the idea that news delivers the past, present and future just came to me, so I decided to make this project a Time Traveling Newsman," he said.

Zakroff was driven to complete his project. For over five months, day and night he worked on it. He applied over 3000 watches, piecing each one into place like a jigsaw puzzle to accommodate the curves of the body of his newsman.

Zakroff used what he termed "abandoned watches." "They have no future application, I gave them a purpose," he said. The watches vary from new watches to those that date back as far as the 1800s. I think using the watches sends a message of past, present and future," he added.

As is the case with most artists, what drives them is some recognition of their art. Not wanting to become an artist for commercial purposes, Zakroff decided to build this piece and then to auction it for a charity benefiting the Daniel Pearl Foundation. No one knew of his intentions including the Daniel Pearl Foundation which was later thrilled to learn of his generosity.

Those interested in bidding on the Time Traveling Newsman or for ongoing updated information go to www.ReporterAuction.org. All money will benefit the Daniel Pearl Foundation. The auction will open October 1, 2006 and close on October 10, 2006, the date that would have been Pearl's 43rd birthday.

"Journalists immortalize time by capturing its journey through snapshots of memorable events. Mr. Zakroff captured this journey by embedding time itself - the watch - inside his Time Traveling Newsman. We are grateful for Mr. Zakroff's artistry, generosity and support of the mission of the Daniel Pearl Foundation," according to Judea and Ruth Pearl, Daniel's parents.

Zakroff is planning on having the Time Traveling Newsman on display at various sites in the region.

Zakroff said he has no idea what the monetary value of the work is. "I did not keep track, I was so consumed with building the piece that I lost track of the value but I can assure you, it is considerable!" Zakroff also has no idea as to what the item should sell for at auction. "I want as many people to see it who believe they would enjoy owning it. Not only for its unusualness, but for the benefit dollars it will deliver. I know whoever winds up owning it will feel enriched as I already feel knowing where the monies will go," he added.

The Daniel Pearl Foundation was founded in honor of the slain journalist who was an America-Israeli dual citizen. Pearl was kidnapped and murdered in Karachi, Pakistan while investigating the case of a convicted shoe bomber Richard Reid. The Foundation was created to further the ideals that inspired Daniel Pearl's life and work. The foundation's mission is to promote cross- cultural understanding through journalism, music and innovative communications. For more information about the foundation log onto www.danielpearl.org.

PR Newswire Link

Contact:
Jaimi Gordon
610.220.3231
mgjr611@aol.com

Daniel Pearl Foundation Contact:
Danielle Newman
Sitrick and Company
(212) 573-6100
media@danielpearl.org