The 2008 edition of South Central Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Life Conference is quickly approaching.

An annual event that draws hundreds of women from across the region, participants will be able to attend health-related seminars, hear a comedian, and listen to a keynote speaker. There is also always a meal provided, all for the low registration fee of $25.

Highlighting stars such as Tony Danza, Crystal Gale, and Rue McClanahan in recent years, this year’s event will feature entertainment executive and Miss America Organization chair Sam Haskell. His wife, former Miss Mississippi, actor, and singer Mary Donnelly Haskell, will also make an appearance.

Although Haskell’s name may not be as recognizable as some of the previous speakers in this area, his work certainly is known in just about every household in America. His name is highly respected in the international entertainment industry as one of the best producers and agents in history.

A native of Amory, he and his agency produced such hit shows as “The Cosby Show”, “Sisters”, “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, “Mad About You”, “Lost”, and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.”

A former senior vice president for the William Morris Agency, he served as agent for a number of celebrities, including Bill Cosby, Ray Ramono, Whoopi Goldberg, Delta Burke, George Clooney, and many others. He has made appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and other programs.

One of the highlights of his career, he said, involved Mississippi’s recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Using his ties with internationally-known celebrities, he produced the program “Mississippi Rising,” which was hosted by Morgan Freeman and televised live and rerun on MSNBC. The program featured entertainers and music, along with documentary-style features on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. The program raised millions for Mississippi.

Haskell, who said his deep Mississippi ties and lessons learned from his mother, made the decision to help out after Katrina an easy one. He had already produced the “Stars over Mississippi” event in Amory several times as fundraisers.

“My mother taught me as a little boy we have to share our blessings,” Haskell told the Leader-Call. “We all should have charitable hearts.”

The “Mississippi Rising” program was a miracle in itself, Haskell said. The production was planned and aired within 19 days of Hurricane Katrina. It featured 44 stars.

“It allowed me to help my own state,” he said.

He was also a special guest for last year’s Miss Mississippi pageant that celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“That was a proud moment for me,” Haskell said.

As chair of the Miss America Organization, Haskell said he is working hard to save the long-lived tradition.

“They brought me in to save it,” he said. “It’s not the Miss America of our parents and grandparents.”

The 19th annual Women’s Life Conference will be held Saturday at Jones County Junior College.

Karen Vanderslice, coordinator of the conference, said, “This is going to be a great event. We have mailed hundreds of registration packets to women throughout this area. I encourage women to go ahead and get their conference registration packets in so that they will be guaranteed a place at the 19th annual event. We will not be taking registration at the door.”

“We are extending registration through Thursday, April 24th at 5 p.m. Any one wishing to attend the conference and does not have a registration packet should call our office located at South Central Place at (601) 399-0501,” Vanderslice said.

According to Vanderslice, hundreds of dollars in door prizes donated by area merchants will be given away during the day.” The grand prize is a beautiful pink sapphire, 14 karat gold ring with diamonds valued at $600. Other door prizes include gift certificates, a pewter tray, a Gail Pittman platter, an accent lamp with Italian glass, gift baskets and so much more.”

The conference will feature: a continental breakfast; a presentation by America's Magical Funnyman, Chris Linn; the inspiring story of Madelyn Bennett Edwards; a special performance by Jones OnStage; a variety of health screenings at the Interactive Women's Health Fair; and concurrent health sessions presented by local physicians. Participants will also enjoy a delicious Southern Beauty Luncheon.

At the end of the day, all participants will receive a commemorative conference print developed by local artist Amelia Crumbley. Women have collected these prints over the years and it has become a cherished conference tradition.

Sponsors of the event include South Central Regional Medical Center, Jones County Junior College, WDAM, OncoLogics, Inc., American Cancer Society, Jones County Medical Supply, Inc. Jefferson Medical Associates, Jones County Medical Alliance, Laurel Leader-Call, IMPACT, Stryker Orthopedics, K & W Associates, and the EDA of Jones County, Kyphon/Medtronic, Laurel Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, and Coca Cola Bottling Company.

For more information, call (601)399-0501.