'It Would Be Great if We Gave Kidnappers of Children a 48-Hour Deadline Like President Bush Gave Saddam Hussein,' Said One-Time Notorious Jewel Thief-Turned-Champion for Children PR Newswire -- March 19, 2003 NEW YORK, March 19 /PRNewswire/ --"The next best thing we can do for the protection of children is help organizations such as 'A Child is Missing'," declared Walter T. Shaw, one-time notorious jewel thief-turned-successful video producer and soon-to-be filmmaker. Shaw presented a check to "A Child is Missing" at a news conference today at the St. Regis Hotel, while surrounded by Hollywood actors lending their support. The actors involved included: Frank Vincent from "Raging Bull", "Goodfellas" and "Casino"; Chuck Vito and John Palumbo from HBO's "Oz"; Vinnie Pastore from "The Sopranos" and "Made"; Tony Ray Rossi from "Analyze This" and "Donnie Brasco"; Robert Funaro from "The Sopranos" and "Law and Order"; and Vinny Vella from "Analyze That". "It's a pleasure to support our dear friend Walter and his amazing change in life and be a part of project that will help children," said Frank Vincent, a Hollywood veteran who has starred in over 20 feature films. "To see a guy with Walter's life turn it completely around and help such a worthy cause is wonderful. This was a great event to raise awareness for missing children and we look forward to working with Walter on his feature film," added Vinny Pastore, who played "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on The Sopranos. At the conference Shaw praised "A Child Is Missing", which has assisted police in many recoveries of missing individuals within 1.5 hours of activation of its program. He presented the non-profit's founder Sherry Friedlander with a $2,000 check from proceeds from the sale of his DVD "It Took A Thief To Stop A Thief." Shaw also pledged part of proceeds from his upcoming film "All For Nothin'", about how he and his father, a genius inventor, took opposite paths in life. "'A Child Is Missing' accepts this donation on behalf of the 857,000 children that went missing last year," said Friedlander. "This will help us to continue to give this program free to law enforcement everywhere so they can help save the lives of children who go missing every 40 seconds." CONTACT: Glen Calder, +1-561-750-9800, ext. 16, or GCalder@transmediagorup.com SOURCE Walter T. Shaw