For Immediate Release

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – August 21, 2001 – Fans Illustrated, Inc. announced today that 10,707 fans each sponsored one yellow jellybean in a campaign to help support AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys after the group revealed that member AJ McLean would undergo a 30-day treatment for his clinical depression which led to anxiety attacks and the excessive consumption of alcohol.

In order for fans to reach out to their favorite band member by showing that people do care, fans were allowed to sponsor one yellow jellybean for FREE by visiting www.fansillustrated.com between August 1 - August 20, 2001 and entering their name and email address. Fans Illustrated, Inc. will donate all 10,707 yellow jellybeans, as there was no fee to participate.

“If you were sick in the hospital, wouldn’t you want all your friends and family to support you with cards or flowers? People have a natural tendency to get well faster than normal when you know that someone cares. That’s why we’re doing this for AJ. I’m thrilled for AJ that 10,707 fans care about him. AJ will be in total shock when he receives his favorite candy in a huge 20-pound jellybean jar filled with 10,707 jellybeans!” says Laura Miller, Fan Promotion Director of Fans Illustrated.

Each jellybean will represent each fan that participated. Along with the delicious gift, A.J. will also receive a list of all fans that participated. That way, he will know that this kind gift is from his biggest support group, THE FANS. The jar of yellow jellybeans along with the list of fans will be delivered to AJ on August 31.

The Backstreet Boys were forced to postpone a series of concert dates starting with their Monday, July 9 show at the Fleet Center in Boston, MA.

Contact Information:

Laura Miller
Fan Promotion Director, Fans Illustrated, Inc.
www.fansillustrated.com
Direct: (888) 878-3267