The Creative Coalition’s Robin Bronk to receive Woman of Influence Award during All-Star Weekend
Sixth Annual NBA Wives Luncheon will also honor two NBA superstars for their philanthropic work and feature keynote address from (RED) president
Washington, D.C. (February 12, 2007) – The Creative Coalition’s Executive Director Robin Bronk will receive a Woman of Influence Award in Las Vegas Saturday, February 17, 2007 at the Sixth Annual NBA Wives Luncheon. Actor and Creative Coalition Board Member Kerry Washington (Last King of Scotland, Ray, Mr. and Mrs. Smith) will present the award to Ms. Bronk. The annual event, sponsored this year by Audemars Piguet, is held in conjunction with the upcoming NBA All-Star game. Tamsin Smith, President of (RED), the initiative launched this past year by Bono and Bobby Shriver, will serve as the keynote speaker.
The NBA Wives Luncheon celebrates the philanthropic work of the NBA Wives Association’s Behind the Bench (BtB) organization, which supports charitable organizations in the 30 cities where the league has franchises.
“The NBA Wives Association established Behind the Bench in 1993 to address the challenges confronting American families, with an emphasis on women and children,” says Charrisse Jordan, president of the NBA Wives Association and wife of Washington Wizards coach Eddie Jordan. “We recognize the dangers facing youths today and believe each of us holds a responsibility in ensuring them safe and productive futures.”
The luncheon will also celebrate other women who are dedicated to improving the lives of children and women in communities across the U.S. In addition to Bronk, 2007 Women of Influence Awards will be presented to Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation, Jenny Miller and Joann Nash of the Steve Nash Foundation, and Tracey Mourning of the Alonzo Mourning Charities’ Honey Shine program.
“On behalf of The Creative Coalition, I am honored to receive this award,” says Bronk. “One of the Coalition’s primary causes is education and ensuring that all children have access to a balanced curriculum that includes arts education.”
The Creative Coalition is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan social and political advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment industry. As Executive Director, Robin Bronk is dedicated to educating and mobilizing the arts and entertainment community on issues of public importance, particularly the First Amendment, arts advocacy and public education.
The NBA Wives Luncheon began in 2002 as an intimate gathering for 50 women. It has since grown into a highly anticipated event for 200 influential women, including members of the NBA Wives Association and prominent women in business, philanthropy and entertainment.
This will mark the sixth year that the luncheon has been hosted by Jaci Wilson and Morris L. Reid, a former Clinton Administration official who is now managing director of Westin Rinehart, a Washington, D.C.-based government and public affairs firm. Jaci Wilson Reid also worked in the Clinton Administration and is now a full-time volunteer fundraiser for organizations that support women, children and the arts.
“These women truly devote a lot of their time and resources to help make a difference in the communities in which they live. But often, their hard work is overshadowed by the work of their superstar husbands,” says Jaci Wilson Reid. “Our luncheon takes a break from the testosterone-fueled All-Star Weekend to shine the spotlight on these women and the great work of Behind the Bench.”
This year’s luncheon is being held at the Stirling Club in Las Vegas on Saturday, February 17th from 12:00 – 2:30 p.m. Haute Horlogerie watchmaker Audemars Piguet is sponsoring the luncheon.
A highlight of this year’s luncheon will be the keynote address from Tamsin Smith. In March 2006, Smith became president of (RED) to help form a team to support the initiative created by Bono and Bobby Shriver. (RED) is raising awareness and money for the Global Fund, which invests in African AIDS programs, by teaming up with the world’s most iconic brands to produce specially branded products.
Previous keynote speakers include Pamela Baxter, president and CEO of LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics for North America, Gene Wade, president and CEO of Platform Learning and Chris Hall, EVP of Merrill Lynch.
Other women who have been recognized at the luncheon in the past include philanthropist Kathy Chenault, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, national spokesperson for the Sickle Cell Foundation, Susan Whiting, president and CEO of Nielsen Media Research, Roberta Shields of the Ludacris Foundation, television personality Star Jones Reynolds and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.
About The Creative Coalition
The Creative Coalition is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance, primarily the First Amendment, public education and arts advocacy. Headquartered in New York City, The Creative Coalition also has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco. The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates. For more information, please visit www.thecreativecoalition.org
About Behind the Bench (BtB)
NBA wives have applied their good fortune to aid women and children through community service and financial support of multiple charitable programs. Since its establishment in 1993 as a 501C3 organization, BtB has raised substantial funds for charities including: The Boys & Girls Club; Big Brothers / Big Sisters; Special Olympic World Games; St. PJ’s Children Home; Child Welfare League of America; Friends of Faith; the Breast Cancer Fund, and many more. Behind the Bench members are wives of both current and retired NBA players.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2007
CONTACT:
Kathy King, 202.466.1396, kathy@westinrinehart.com