K.I.D.S. 25th anniversary gala to honor leaders from Perry Ellis, Sears and Soles4Soles

Newark Mayor Cory Booker to keynote Dec. 1 event in NYC

Kids Today Staff -- Kids Today, 9/14/2010 9:59:37 AM

Kids In Distressed Situations, the internationally renowned children's charity, will celebrate its 25th Anniversary year with a gala fund-raiser honoring three industry leaders who have donated their time and resources to support K.I.D.S.' efforts in providing new product to children living in poverty and suffering from devastating disasters.

Being recognized are John Goodman, executive vice president of Sears Holding Corporation; Oscar Feldenkreis, president & chief operating officer of Perry Ellis Corporation; and Wayne Elsey, founder & chief executive officer of the footwear charity Soles4Souls. The evening's keynote speaker is Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, whose continuing mission is to set a national standard for urban transformation and family empowerment. The gala event will be Wednesday, Dec. 1 at Cipriani Dolci in New York City, located at 89 E. 42nd St. Cocktails start at 6 p.m.

"Each of our honorees and Mayor Booker embodies the passion and commitment of helping children and families achieve a better, more productive life, which is at the heart of the mission of K.I.D.S. since our founding 25 years ago," said Peter Rosenthal, chairman of K.I.D.S. and President of Rosenthal & Rosenthal. K.I.D.S. has provided more than 65 million underprivileged and disaster-struck children with close to $1 billion dollars of new clothing, toys, basic necessities, juvenile products, books and much more.

President Obama was the organization's keynote speaker in 2006 and said, "We can't end childhood poverty through government alone, and we shouldn't expect to. It will take the work of organizations like K.I.D.S., the generosity of corporations, the charity of religious groups and even a renewed sense of responsibility among families..." Perry Ellis Corporation, Sears, and Soles4Souls have met that call, generously providing new apparel and products to K.I.D.S. that has helped millions of children.

• John Goodman, executive vice president of Sears Holding Corporation, will receive the K.I.D.S. Retail Award

• Oscar Feldenkreis, president & chief operating officer of Perry Ellis Corporation is being recognized with the K.I.D.S. Achievement Award

• Wayne Elsey, founder & chief executive officer of the shoe charity Soles4Souls, is being acknowledged with the K.I.D.S. Humanitarian Award

Table sponsorships are $10,000, $15,000, $25,000 and $50,000. More information about tickets and sponsorships is available via email at kids_gala@frontier.com or via phone at 845-758-6403.