Obama to Speak at Industry Dinner

NEW YORK – Senator Barack Obama (D. – Ill.) will deliver the keynote address at the joint birthday gala of Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) and Fashion Delivers, to be held at the Mandarin Oriental New York on Dec. 4.

K.I.D.S. chairman Richard Schaub said Obama’s interest in the two organizations “stems from his passion for finding solution to help children and underprivileged populations. Fashion Delivers chairman Allan Ellinger commented, “He is one of the most dynamic politicians today, and we look forward to welcoming him to the K.I.D.S. 21st and Fashion Delivers first anniversaries.”

Obama spent two weeks earlier this year touring Africa, including a visit to his father’s homeland of Kenya, to learn about the spread of AIDS on the continent, the genocide occurring in Darfur and other threats to the safety and health of African children.

The December fundraiser is expected to draw more than 500 executives from the fashion industry and related fields. Honors are Fred Rowan and Joe Pacifico, chief executive and president, respectively, of The William Carter Company, and Anthony Buccina, vice chairman and president of merchandising for The Bon-Ton Stores. “Both companies have exhibited a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility,” said a statement announcing the event.

The two organizations have donated over $500 million in new products to needy children and families in the U.S. and around the world. K.I.D.S. channels apparel, footwear, toys, books and other products to 1,000 non-profit social for distribution. Fashion Delivers, founded in the wake of the Katrina and Rita disasters last year, directs products to victims of natural disasters and others in need. More information is available at www.kidsdonations.org and www.fashiondelivers.org.