Contacts: Paul McMasters, president of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation Board, (703) 284-3511; Stephanie Gayle Berry, Director of Development, (317) 927-8000, ext. 213

WHAT: A banquet celebrating editorial writing

GUESTS OF HONOR: 1999 Eugene C. Pulliam Editorial Fellow Jim Gogek, editorial writer for The San Diego Union-Tribune and the 2000 Eugene C. Pulliam Editorial Fellow Maura Casey, associate editorial page editor at The Day in New London CT).

FEATURED SPEAKER: To be announced

WHEN: April 11, 2001. Reception begins at 6 p.m. Dinner starts at 7 p.m.

WHERE: The National Press Club, 529 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C.

ATTIRE: Business

TICKETS: $50 each. $500 per table.

RESERVATIONS/QUESTIONS: Stephanie Gayle Berry, development director, 317/927-8000 ext. 213; sberry@spj.org

SPONSORS: Sigma Delta Chi Foundation and The National Press Club

ABOUT SDX: Founded in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that those who carry on the tradition of a free press are prepared for the challenge.Its goal is to support the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and to serve the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

ABOUT SPJ: The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. The organization is the nation's largest and most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.