New Leadership Award to Ivanka Trump and Annual Lifetime Achievement Award to Jon Voight, Newest Nemesis on Fox Drama 24, During Children at Heart Celebrity Fantasy Auction and Gala
WHAT: “Hope Grows Strong” as Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) celebrates its 18th anniversary with a star-studded event, including a celebrity roster of attendees and Fantasy Auction items. To date, this organization has rescued 2,562 children on 82 rescue missions, airlifting innocent, sick children from Chernobyl, an area devastated by the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor explosion. Even in light of the current economic downturn, celebrities and New York’s elite have committed to this event in full force, donating time, money and auction items to kick off the Holiday giving season and save children’s lives.
WHO: Celebrities, Award Winners and Philanthropists: Jeremy Piven will be on hand to honor the award winners and to help raise funds and build awareness for Children of Chernobyl. His Emmy Award-winning series, Entourage, airs its last episode of the season on November 23rd, the evening prior to the Children at Heart Gala. The three-time Emmy Award- and Golden Globe Award-winning actor will be available for limited Red Carpet video and photo opportunities. Ivanka Trump will be honored at the 2008 Children at Heart Gala with the as the first ever recipient of the New Leadership Award. As a young philanthropist celebrated in many circles, Ivanka continues to dedicate her popularity to help worthy causes. The daughter of Donald and Ivana currently is dating entrepreneur, real estate developer and New York Observer owner Jared Kushner. Ms. Trump will be available for limited interviews and photo and video opportunities. Jon Voight, Academy and Golden Globe award-winning actor, will be honored at the 2008 Children at Heart Gala with the a Lifetime Achievement Award, commemorating Voight’s 10 year philanthropic commitment to CCOC. Voight has attended CCOC rescue missions and met with countless Chernobyl children during his involvement with the charity. The Emmy Award-winning drama, 24, welcomes Mr. Voight to its cast with a two-hour prequel special airing on November 23rd, the evening prior to the Children at Heart Gala. Mr. Voight will be available for interviews and photo and video opportunities. Kelsey Grammar will be on hand to honor the award winners and to help raise funds and build awareness for Children of Chernobyl. Grammar is currently an Executive Producer on NBC’s critically acclaimed drama, Medium. The four-time Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe Award-winning actor will be available for limited Red Carpet video and photo opportunities. Judges Judy and Jerry Sheindlin will be in attendance as celebrity chairs for the Children at Heart Gala. Other honorary chairs include: Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Douglas, Tina Fey and Howie Mandel. Judge Judy and her husband have shown enduring support for CCOC, serving as past Honorees, and contributing exclusive experiences to the Celebrity Fantasy Auction. The Sheindlins will be available for interviews and photo and video opportunities.Nancy Spielberg, Children at Heart Tribute Chair, unrivaled philanthropist and sister of famed director Steven Spielberg, helped found CCOC in 1990, as a response to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Her husband, Shimon Katz, serves as an Event Chair and Steven serves as a Charity Chair; both have proven to be fundraising catalysts. Ms. Spielberg will be available for interviews and photo and video opportunities. Jody Durst, President of the Durst Organization, will receive the Hope Grows Strong Environmental Achievement Award at the Children at Heart Gala. Throughout his career, Mr. Durst has shown commitment to environmental innovation. Most recently, he built the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park in New York, which is the most environmentally efficient high rise office building in the world. Mr. Durst will be available for interviews and photo and video opportunities.
WHEN: November 24, 2008, from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Children at Heart Gala at Chelsea Piers, Pier 60; In-studio, at CCOC offices or at other agreed-upon location in New York City. Contact http://www.cah.net for further information.?
