EMMY AWARD-WINNING SOAP OPERA STAR
HEATHER TOM
COOKS AT THE MOSHULU
AND HOSTS BENEFIT FOR ACTIONAIDS

Philadelphia (December 22, 2004) - Heather Tom, two-time Emmy Award-winning actress on ABC-TV's One Life to Live and formerly CBS-TV's The Young and the Restless, will come to Philadelphia and cook at the Moshulu as she hosts a party and private dinner to benefit ActionAIDS. Taking place on Tuesday, January 18 from 6 to 8 p.m., Heather Tom will visit with guests at a cocktail party ($50 a person) and a private dinner at the captain's table on the ship starting at 8 p.m. ($150).

Heather Tom will prepare her favorite recipes with the Moshulu culinary team prior to the event, which include ceviche, bruschetta, watercress salad and roast loin of pork. Executive Chef Ralph Fernandez, Chef de Cuisine Kevin O'Kane and Executive Sous Chef Adam DeLosso will enjoy sharing their kitchen whites with her in the afternoon. In the evening, she will be on hand to mingle with guests who will be treated to her recipes.
Heather Tom has been performing throughout her life. She began at age two in commercials and at age ten she was a ballerina with the Seattle Pacific Ballet. Heather has acted on television, stage and screen. Best known for her longstanding role as the tempestuous Victoria Newman on CBS's "The Young & The Restless" and most recently known as unpredictable Kelly on ABC's "One Life to Live" (seen on 6-ABC, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia), Heather holds the record for the most Emmy Award nominations for an actress under the age of thirty, with nine nominations.
Along with her sister Nicholle and brother David (Swing Kids, Stayed Tune, Roommates and Young and the Restless), Heather came to Los Angeles when she was 13 where they all found immediate success. In 2000, Heather and David both made Hollywood history by being the first brother and sister both simultaneously Nominated for Emmys in the same year.
With guest appearances on numerous television shows including "Who's the Boss," Heather has co-starred in such projects as the ABC movie-of-the-week, "I'll Take Romance" and the CBS movie-of-the-week "Deadly Whispers" opposite Tony Danza. She also co-starred in two feature films, Lessie's Rainbow and Looking Good. Heather has been involved in producing and performing in theater and her revival of Neil Simon's Biloxi Blues won five Dramalogue Awards. With a true passion for acting, she enjoys teaching young, aspiring actors throughout the country.
In addition to acting, Heather is involved with such charities as AIDS Project Los Angeles, Project Angel Food, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. She selected ActionAIDS to receive a major portion of the proceeds from this benefit. ActionAIDS is a Philadelphia-based organization in partnership with people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS that works to sustain and enhance quality of life. ActionAIDS provides comprehensive case management services to over 3,500 men, women, and children at 30 locations throughout Philadelphia. www.actionaids.org

The Moshulu, the world's oldest and largest four-masted tall ship, was originally launched in 1904. Highly acclaimed throughout the country for the adventuresome menu and "world-class" food under the reign of Executive Chef/Partner Ralph Fernandez, the Moshulu is a treasure in Philadelphia. Under the leadership of proprietor Marty Grims, she re-opened in May 2003, was redecorated in a South Seas flair and has been more successful than anytime in her past. Guests are intrigued by the ship's history as she has had a long and storied career on the seas working the ports of Europe, South America, Australia, America and Africa and traveling around Cape Horn 54 times. Originally named Kurt, after being confiscated by America, Mrs. Woodrow Wilson renamed her Moshulu, meaning "fearless," to honor Native Americans.

The Moshulu is permanently docked in the Penn's Landing Marina at 401 S. Columbus Boulevard (between Lombard and Pine Streets). The Moshulu is open daily for lunch, Sunday brunch, and dinner, and parking is available adjacent to the ship. Private parties are available on the deck (heated in colder months), in one of the indoor private rooms or on the entire premises. For more information about the Moshulu, visit www.moshulu.com.

During the Heather Tom Party wine and hors d'ouevres will be served followed by a private-four course dinner with the actress. It is co-sponsored by Philadelphia Gay News www.epgn.com and Chaddsford Winery www.chaddsfordwinery.com . Costs for the reception are $50.00 per person and costs for the private dinner, limited to 20 people, is $150.00 per person. To make a reservation, call the Moshulu at 215-923-2500.