Dean Jones and Three Others Join Dove Board of Directors
February 8, 2000

Contact: Dick Rolfe, Chairman, The Dove Foundation 616-454-5021 <dickrolfe@dove.org>

The Dove Foundation enlisted the talent and energy of four new board members to assist the organization in charting its future course as a family advocacy group with industry-wide recognition

Actor Dean Jones, Attorney David Hathaway, Corporate CEO Max Smith and Business Owner Janis Petrini became new Board members at the organization’s most recent meeting.

"This is a perfect time for us to bring aboard a group of people who have uncommon energy and commitment to the values of Dove," said Dick Rolfe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We are at a wonderful time in our growth and these people will help move us further with our goal to be an effective messenger to the entertainment-hungry consumer."

Star of Broadway, movies and television, Dean Jones expressed enthusiasm for his association with Dove. "Manufacturers have a responsibility for the products they create whether it is car, drugs, or movies," Jones said. "As we enter the new millennium, it behooves us to commit ourselves to the elements in our culture which enhance tolerance, kindness, trustworthiness and responsibility rather than continue to encourage that which destroys our safety, tranquility and self-respect. I am happy to be a part of The Dove Foundation and its commitment to finding solutions," Jones concluded.

David Hathaway is an attorney for the Grand Rapids-based law firm Miller & Canfield, while also serving as Secretary & General Council for Precious Moments, Inc., a Christian ministry that produces paper and porcelain products with a Scriptural message. Hathaway cited Dove’s commitment to defining values as critical to his role with the organization.

"Dove gives expression to sanctions and validations of a particular set of values," Hathaway stated. "It is a witness to the standards that many families and all people hold dear. My involvement in the entertainment industry as a result of animation work for Precious Moments makes me familiar with what is needed to operate within that realm."

Express Personnel Services co-owner, Janis Petrini’s strongest concern has been for a reliable source of entertainment information so that an educated public can always be knowledgeable about what it is viewing.

"I’m honored and excited to be a part of the Dove team," she enthused. "Teaching children and young adults about critiquing the media so they can then discern for themselves is crucial to spiritual growth. Through Dove, I can make a difference in children’s lives by helping them make quality entertainment choices."

Max Smith, CFO of RBC Ministries, a worldwide Christian evangelism ministry, will use his unique administrative talents to assist the Foundation in dealing effectively with its dynamic growth.

Smith said, "I am interested in entertainment and how it affects people of all backgrounds, but especially Christians. Dove has made, and will continue to make, a difference on behalf of families everywhere. I count it a privilege to be a part of the process for positive cultural change."

THE DOVE FOUNDATION is a national, non-profit organization established to encourage and promote the creation, production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment. The Foundation has awarded the nationally recognized DOVE FAMILY-APPROVED SEAL to more than 3,000 movies and videos deemed “family-friendly” by its film review board. Earlier this year, DOVE released the results of a ten-year study which identifies the gross profits of feature films by each MPAA ratings category. The Study conclusions show returns from G-rated films were eight times higher than their R-rated counterparts. The goal of the Film Profitability Study is to encourage studio executives to undertake more family-sensitive projects which will reap the greatest financial and social returns.

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