Lucas to be honoured by ESA at charity fundraiser

Legendary film director George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars universe and founder of LucasArts, is to be honoured by the ESA at a charity event next month.

The Nite to Unite fundraiser will include a dinner and a silent auction and will take place in San Francisco on October 18. Lucas will receive the ESA's 2005 Champions Award at the event.

"Though George Lucas has long been recognized for his tremendous contributions to the world of film, he has also been a leader in the video game business, creating amazing game experiences for players around the globe through one of the industry's most successful companies," said ESA president Doug Lowenstein.

"Our industry and its consumers have benefited greatly from Mr. Lucas' work over the years, and we are proud to recognize him as this year's 'Champion' honoree."

The 2005 Nite to Unite event will be co-chaired by former Activision president Kathy Vrabeck, LucasArts president Jim Ward and Midway CEO David Zucker. Now in its sixth year running, the event has raised more than USD 6.5 million for charities including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, National Students Against Violence Everywhere, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Starlight Starbright Foundation.