(Princeton, NJ) -- As Charlotte says, “With the right words you can change the world.”

The right words for the children of Reed Smith’s clients and youngsters served by HomeFront are “family holiday party” -- specifically, a special event from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., December 17 featuring a private screening of Paramount Pictures’ new live action version of Charlotte’s Web at the AMC Theatres at Menlo Park Mall in Edison, NJ, hosted by the firm’s Princeton office. The film opens in theatres across the country on December 20.

Among the 300 to 500 guests expected to attend are the families of Reed Smith’s Princeton area clients and children served by HomeFront, a Mercer County non-profit organization working to break the cycle of poverty and end homelessness.  Also expected to attend are children and their parents from two New Jersey farms where segments of Charlotte’s Web were filmed.

Reed Smith LLP, a leading international law firm, has enjoyed a long-term relationship with HomeFront that includes providing pro bono legal representation to the agency’s clients and sponsoring back-to-school and holiday events and making other contributions during the year.

“This year our partners wanted to do something other than the usual golf outing or cocktail party, and we wanted to include the families of our clients,” said Steven Picco, Reed Smith’s New Jersey Managing Partner.  “We teamed up Paramount Pictures, one of our clients, and they graciously permitted us to premiere Charlotte’s Web locally for the children of our clients as well as for the HomeFront children.  We expect this to be a wonderful family event and fun for everyone.”

The new version of the classic children’s novel features the voice talents of many celebrities, including Julia Roberts as Charlotte, Oprah Winfrey as Gussy, Kathy Bates as Bitsy, Reba McEntire as Betsy, Robert Redford as Ike and John Cleese as Samuel.

In addition to the film, the event will include magic acts, face painting and picnic bag lunches for all guests. Each child also will receive a present at the end of the afternoon, such as a copy of E.B. White’s novel Charlotte’s Web, a DVD of the movie or a Scrabble®  game.

Reed Smith also announced a $10,000 donation to HomeFront as a part of its ongoing commitment to the agency and community well-being.

“Reed Smith regards community-based efforts as a significant aspect of our identity,” said Mr. Picco.  “Paramount Pictures is likewise exceptionally community minded and was delighted to work with us to make this event a very special part of the holiday season for all of our young guests.”

HomeFront serves thousands of Mercer County families, providing case management for clients seeking housing, an on-site food pantry, transitional and permanent housing facilities, and programming for homeless children.

“Life can be particularly bleak and difficult for children and families who are homeless during the holiday season,” said HomeFront Executive Director Connie Mercer.  “This event will lift our young children’s spirits and let them know that there are organizations and individuals in the community who care and want to help.  We are delighted that Reed Smith has reached out to share the joy of this season with our children through this showing of Charlotte’s Web. We are even more grateful we can count on Reed Smith to be there for these children and their families year round.”

Charlotte would doubtless agree.  This year’s Reed Smith holiday party is definitely “some gig.”

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith LLP is a top-20 international law firm with 1,100 lawyers located in 13 U.S. and four European cities. Upon completion of a merger with Richards Butler on January 1, 2007, the firm will have nearly 1,400 attorneys, and its largest office will be London. The integration will double Reed Smith’s presence in Paris and will add offices in Greece and the Middle East. The firm represents clients ranging from Fortune 100 to mid-market and emerging companies. They include financial services firms, life sciences companies, health care providers, technology companies and entrepreneurs, power generators and suppliers, manufacturers, real estate companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations throughout the world.  For more information, visit www.reedsmith.com.