Travoltas debut film at fundraiser

OCALA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Mega-star John Travolta is firing up the big screen in the latest action film, " From Paris with Love ." It opens nationwide on Friday. Travolta hosted a private screening of the film in his home town of Ocala on Thursday, and while the 400 guests in attendance were treated to the movie, the purpose of the gala was all about charity.

In the posh Golden Ocala Country Club, John Travolta and Kelly Preston explained why they like living in Central Florida so much.

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“We love the low-key. We're very well taken care of. The neighbors and police force are protective of us. We just have a lot of good feelings about being here,” said John. “We love the people. They've embraced us. And this is a perfect way to give back,” said wife Kelly Preston.

John noted that their church did a survey of the Marion County town, and it ranked Ocala the No. 1 town in ethical priorities; family first.

The who's who of Ocala spent the evening with the Travoltas, eating, drinking, watching "From Paris With Love," and donating to charities that benefit local law enforcement and a college fund in the name of their late son, Jett.

Charitable giving is an issue that is so dear to the hearts of John and Kelly ; they added another charity at the last minute.

“A memorial fund for two women who lost their children last year, sons, as we did,” said John. “They want to make a memorial park in Ocala, so we’re offering money to start that tonight for all the children who have been lost recently in this area; all the sons and daughters, that parents are suffering and where they can be remembered forever,” he added. “And it’s a beautiful park,” said Kelly, “with waterfalls, benches to sit, a reflection pond.”

Along the lines of charitable work, John Travolta has already sent two planes filled with supplies to Haiti, following that nation’s destructive earthquake -- one of them he piloted himself, of course.

He is returning to Haiti the week after next to drop off more supplies.

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On the web:

http://www.jett-travolta-foundation.org/

From Paris With Love