25th Annual Candlelight Vigil Honors 321 Fallen Peace Officers At The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The names of 321 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty—including 120 who died in 2012—were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monday evening, during the 25^th annual Candlelight Vigil.

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An estimated 20,000 people attended the ceremony in person, including surviving family members, friends, law enforcement colleagues, and others. Thousands more participated via a live webcast of the ceremony provided by the Memorial Fund and Officer.com.

U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. delivered poignant keynote remarks and led the lighting of candles and reading of the fallen officers' names. "Although no words, and no ceremony, can erase the pain we feel at each tragic and untimely loss, my hope is that the families, friends, and colleagues of these fallen heroes can find peace in the certain knowledge that they died doing what they loved.  They helped to make this world a far better, and safer, place," he said. "And, despite the fact that these brave officers were taken from us far too suddenly – and far too soon – their legacies, and contributions, will always endure."

Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, and Madeline Neumann, National President of the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), also participated in the annual tribute to fallen officers, a special part of the National Police Week observance in the nation's capital.

The evening's program also included musical tributes and a special recognition of representatives of some of the Boston-area agencies that demonstrated an exceptionally high level of work as they captured the Boston Bombing suspect while protecting their communities. This included Director Robert Mueller of the FBI; Superintendent Timothy Alben of the Massachusetts State Police; Superintendent Willie Gross of the Boston Police Department; and Chief Ed Deveau of the Watertown Police Department.

In addition to the 120 officers who died in 2012, the names of 201 officers—whose deaths had been lost to history until this year—were added to the Memorial. The national monument now contains the names of 19,981 fallen law enforcement officers—from all 50 states; the District of Columbia; U.S. territories; federal, corrections, railroad, and military police agencies—who have died in the performance of duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known officer death in 1791.

"Tonight, we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in law enforcement service.  And we also pay tribute to the surviving family members who were left behind," said Craig W. Floyd, Chairman and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the non-profit group that maintains the Memorial and serves as a principal organizer of National Police Week each May. "Behind every name on these walls are stories and memories that burn brightly … tonight and every night—stories that inspire us and memories that cannot be extinguished.  We will always remember these extraordinary American heroes," he said.

For more information, including the names of officers added this year to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, visit www.LawMemorial.org/2013RollCall. Photos from the Candlelight Vigil are available at www.LawMemorial.org/Photos.

About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a private non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers and to promoting officer safety. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, which contains the names of 19,981 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The Memorial Fund is now working to create the National Law Enforcement Museum, which will tell the story of American law enforcement through high-tech, interactive exhibitions, historical artifacts and extensive educational programming.  For more information, visit www.LawMemorial.org.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's National Police Week events and activities are supported, in part, by a generous contribution from Target®.

CONTACT: 
Steve Groeninger
(202) 737-7135
steve@nleomf.org

SOURCE National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

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WomenHeart Educational Programs and Support Services Benefit from $1.1 Million Donation from the Second Annual Burlington Coat Factory Red Dress Event

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease announced today a generous donation of $1,110,928 from the national off-price retailer, Burlington. These funds were generated as a result of the retailer's 2^nd Annual Red Dress Event. For the second consecutive year, from February through Easter, customers in all Burlington locations had the opportunity to purchase a red dress icon for $1 or more at check-out, as well as shop for a dress and Burlington would donate $1 for every dress purchased to show their support for the cause.

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Burlington's significant donation will advance WomenHeart's free support services and educational programs for women living with heart disease in communities throughout the country. It will also enable the organization to continue to support and educate Hispanic women – a high risk population for heart disease – through its new Para la Mujer Hispana initiative, made possible by funds raised during Burlington's first Red Dress Event in 2012.

"WomenHeart is so grateful to Burlington and its customers for the outpouring of support for women living with heart disease! Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women, but with this generous support we will be able to expand our reach and save more lives!" said Lisa M. Tate, Chief Executive Officer of WomenHeart.

"Burlington and our generous customers have risen to the occasion once again in support of our second annual women's heart health initiative in partnership with WomenHeart," said Thomas Kingsbury, president and chief executive officer. "Once again, we set out to raise funds to further educate women on the importance of their heart health and to increase awareness that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and I am so proud to have accomplished our goals."

WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is the nation's only patient centered organization serving the 43 million American women living with or at risk for heart disease – the leading cause of death for women. WomenHeart is solely devoted to advancing women's heart health through advocacy, community education, and the nation's only patient support network for women living with heart disease. WomenHeart is both a coalition and a community of thousands of members nationwide, including women heart patients and their families, healthcare professionals, and health advocates, all committed to helping women live longer, healthier lives. To join or donate, visit www.womenheart.org.

Burlington is a national off price retailer offering brand name merchandise for the entire family and the home with up to 65 percent off department store prices every day. Departments include ladies' dresses, suits, sportswear, juniors, accessories, menswear, family footwear and children's clothing. It also includes an assortment of furniture and accessories for baby at Baby Depot, home decor and gifts, along with the largest selection of coats in the nation for the entire family. Burlington was founded in 1972 and has expanded from a single store selling coats, to a multi-department retail chain with more than 500 stores in 44 States and Puerto Rico.  For more, visit www.BurlingtonCoatFactory.com

SOURCE WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women With Heart Disease

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National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Honors Three Awardees at Annual Chairman's Dinner during National Police Week

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is pleased to announce the recipients of its Distinguished Service Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Excellence in Media Award for 2013. The awards were presented during the annual Chairman's Dinner on May 12, held at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center Pavilion in Washington, DC.

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The Chairman's Dinner is a special event during National Police Week wherein the Memorial Fund takes the time to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and organizations that have assisted in its mission to generate increased public support for the law enforcement profession.

The Distinguished Service Award is the Memorial Fund's top award. It has been presented annually since 1996 to "an individual or organization that has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the law enforcement profession." This year's recipients are the National Park Service and the United States Park Police. Under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Interior, these agencies have partnered with the Memorial Fund to maintain the Memorial and the land on which it sits. Thanks to the National Park Service, the Memorial remains a safe place for visitors and stays as pristine as it was at its dedication 22 years ago.

The Memorial Fund's Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a deserving individual or organization that has taken a long-term leadership role in helping the NLEOMF in its work to honor the service and sacrifice of the law enforcement profession. This year's recipient is Dr. Marcella Fierro. By offering her medical expertise, Dr. Fierro has been invaluable in helping the Memorial Fund review hundreds of cases of fallen officers. She has provided the Memorial Fund medical counsel for nearly two decades and has assisted the Board of Director's Names Committee in navigating complex medical issues brought before them.

The Memorial Fund is pleased to introduce a new award this year, the Excellence in Media Award. This award is given to deserving individuals or organizations in the journalism, news, media and/or entertainment industries that have increased the visibility and understanding of the law enforcement community through their work. This year's awardee is Bill Erfurth and Modern City Entertainment, the creators of Heroes Behind the Badge, a film that honors the stories of law enforcement officers who were caught in the line of fire and survived, and of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Our Board of Directors selected the National Park Service and U.S. Park Police, Dr. Marcella Fierro, and Bill Erfurth and Modern City Entertainment as this year's award recipients, not for any one thing they have done for law enforcement, but for all of the things they do, day in and day out, to support our officers and the communities they serve," said Craig W. Floyd, Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO. "Whether they are protecting and maintaining the grounds of the Memorial, assisting the Board of Directors with complex medical-related cases, or creating moving documentaries to highlight the sacrifices of law enforcement officers all over the country, the 2013 award recipients have been instrumental in helping the Memorial Fund to ensure that our officers are appropriately commemorated," Mr. Floyd added.

About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a private non-profit organization dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers and to promoting officer safety. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, which contains the names of 19,981 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The Memorial Fund is now working to create the National Law Enforcement Museum, which will tell the story of American law enforcement through high-tech, interactive exhibitions, historical artifacts and extensive educational programming. For more information, visit www.LawMemorial.org.

NEWS from the
NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL FUND
www.LawMemorial.org

CONTACT:
Steve Groeninger
(202) 737-7135
steve@nleomf.org

SOURCE National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

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30th Annual Congressional Awards Reception Honors Members of Congress and Small Business Owners

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Small Business Council of America (SBCA), a national nonprofit organization representing the interests of privately-held and family-owned organizations on tax, employee benefit and health care matters, held its 30^th annual Congressional Awards Reception on May 8, 2013 at the U.S. Capitol.

Senator Mary Landrieu received the Special Congressional Appreciation Award in recognition of her small business leadership in the Senate. As Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Landrieu demonstrates a deep understanding of the issues facing small businesses and their owners and effectively works to solve those problems.  

Senator Rob Portman received the Special Congressional Appreciation Award in recognition of his willingness to tackle difficult and technical tax and employee benefit issues as a member of the Senate Finance Committee. During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Senator Portman was also instrumental in shoring up the qualified retirement plan system to make it work in the small business context. 

Congressman Dave Camp received the Congressional Award for his commitment to comprehensive tax reform. As Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Congressman Camp has been committed to engaging stakeholders like the SBCA in the tax reform process. 

Jordan Wagner of Los Angeles, California, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award in recognition of his work as Executive Director of Generosity Water. Generosity Water works to fund and oversee the establishment of clean and renewable water sources in developing countries. "What makes Jordan special is that at such a young age, he has learned the importance of helping others in need," said Neil Carrey, SBCA Director and founder of the Humanitarian Award. 

Anthony Sblendorio of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, received the Small Business of the Year Award in recognition of the remarkable success of his company Back to Nature Home and Garden as a leader in ecologically sustainable landscape architecture.  Since its founding, Back to Nature has grown into a multi-faceted company that is behind some of the most innovative projects in New Jersey.  "What I find unique about Anthony is his steadfast desire to educate society about the importance of ecology," wrote Governor David Patterson.

SOURCE Small Business Council of America

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Counterpart wins Platinum Award for Annual Report, honorable mention for video

ARLINGTON, Va., May 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Counterpart International's annual report won a prestigious Platinum Hermes Creative Award from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals.  (www.Counterpart.org)

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The nonprofit's video—"Counterpart in 90 Seconds"—earned an honorable mention from the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals.

"The 2011 Annual Report combined innovative design, outstanding writing and terrific photography into one complete package that highlights our work around the globe," says Joan Parker, President and CEO of Counterpart. "I want to thank the Communications team for its outstanding work on the annual report and the promotional video."

Approximately 5,600 entries were received for the 2013 Hermes Award, which is an international competition for creative professionals, organizers reported. Today, the annual competition is one of the largest of its kind. (www.HermesAwards.com)

The 2011 Annual Report was designed by Bruce Jewett of Double-0 Marketing (www.Double0Marketing.com); it was written by Jeff Baron, Michael J. Zamba and Maggie Farrand; photos were from multiple sources, including David Snyder (www.dsnyderphotography.com) and Nadia Abdullah.

You may see the 2011 Annual Report here: (www.counterpart.org/news/publications-websites)

The video, which earned honorable mention, provides a fast-paced overview of the global nonprofit. The lead writer of the script Michael J. Zamba, the video editor was Amy Overbeck (www.OverbeckMedia.com) and the voice over was by Mike O'Brian (mikeobrianvoiceovers.com). Photos and video footage were from multiple sources.

You may see the "Counterpart in 90 seconds" and other videos here: http://www.counterpart.org/multimedia

About Counterpart International
Counterpart International is a global development organization that works in partnership to empower people, communities and institutions to drive and sustain their own development.

For 48 years, Counterpart has been working in partnership with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, food security and nutrition, and building effective governance and institutions. Learn more at www.Counterpart.org.

For more information:
Michael J. Zamba
Vice President of Communications & Partnerships
Counterpart International
(541) 447-5786
mzamba@counterpart.org

SOURCE Counterpart International

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15th Annual International Conference on Hoarding & Cluttering Kicks-Off Mental Health Month in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF) hosts 15^thAnnual International Conference on Hoarding & Cluttering (ICHC) on May 2^nd and 3^rd at the Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco-Union Square hotel.  Originally pioneered as a local, one-day conference in 1998, fifteen years later, it has evolved into a 3-day innovative, international, multidisciplinary and culturally responsive event bringing together advocates, researchers, clinicians, landlords and people who are personally struggling with hoarding challenges to foster learning and successful strategies that save lives, counter stigma and improve public welfare.

ICHC is the only ongoing annual conference in the world focusing solely on the complex issues, impact, and stigma associated with the disorder, drawing together stakeholders and experts across fields with a addressing effective solutions to the personal and public burdens that can arise from compulsive hoarding, cluttering and acquiring behaviors. ICHC features practical solutions, cutting edge innovations and emphasizes communities working together to better understand issues and promote the development of effective task forces, and engagement of diverse stakeholders.

May is Mental Health Month, and represents a milestone for the field as the American Psychiatric Association releases the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) recognizing compulsive hoarding and cluttering as a significant and legitimate mental health condition. There is a three-part definition to compulsive hoarding behavior: 1.) The accumulation of, and failure to discard, a large number of possessions that appear to be useless or of limited value. 2.) Living spaces become so cluttered that they can't be used for the activities they were intended for. 3.) The hoarding behavior causes distress and impaired functioning

The 2013 ICHC conference is a source of learning, but it is especially a significant and unique opportunity for the many people who are isolated by their condition. People with hoarding and cluttering challenges often feel alone, ashamed and helpless. As a recent participant reflected many people aren't aware on "any kind of help at all."

WHO:	The Mental Health Association of San Francisco
WHAT:	15th Annual International Conference on Hoarding & Cluttering (ICHC)
WHEN:	Thursday and Friday May 2- 3, 2013
	8:30 am – 5:00 pm
WHERE:	Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco- Union Square
	55 Cyril Magnin Street
	San Francisco, California
WEB:	http://www.mentalhealthsf.org

Media Contact: Jenifer Reeve (415) 290-5403 cell / jenifer@mentalhealthsf.org

SOURCE Mental Health Association of San Francisco

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Obama pokes fun at critics, media at annual press dinner

By Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama poked fun at the media, his critics and himself on Saturday at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, a star-filled event where journalists and celebrities mixed with the Washington elite.

Joined at the dinner by his wife, first lady Michelle Obama, the president gently knocked Republicans for not working with him on policy priorities and made a rare reference to his race when urging the opposition party to be cooperative.

"I know Republicans are still sorting out what happened in 2012, but one thing they all agree on is they need to do a better job reaching out to minorities," Obama said.

"And look, call me self-centered, but I can think of one minority they could start with. Hello? Think of me as a trial run, you know?" he said.

Obama, a Democrat and the first black U.S. president, won re-election in November with overwhelming support from minority voters including blacks and Hispanics.

He took a swipe at people who have doubted his religion and accused him of being a radical leftist, while he made light of his graying hair.

"These days, I look in the mirror and I have to admit, I'm not the strapping young Muslim socialist that I used to be," Obama said. "Time passes. You get a little gray."

The president is a Christian who was born in Hawaii, but he included some material for so-called "birthers" who falsely assert he was born abroad.

"I'm also hard at work on plans for the Obama Library, and some have suggested that we put it in my birthplace, but I'd rather keep it in the United States," he said.

Obama made light of his own rapid rise to power by comparing himself to Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a Hispanic from Florida who is touted as a potential presidential candidate in 2016.

"One senator who has reached across the aisle recently is Marco Rubio, but I don't know about 2016. I mean, the guy has not even finished a single term in the Senate and he thinks he's ready to be president," Obama joked. "Kids these days."

Obama began running for president during his first term as a U.S. senator from Illinois.

In a room filled with journalists, the president saved some of his most biting jokes for the press.

"I know CNN has taken some knocks lately, but the fact is I admire their commitment to cover all sides of a story, just in case one of them happens to be accurate," he said, drawing applause.

"Some of my former advisors have switched over to the dark side. For example, David Axelrod now works for MSNBC, which is a nice change of pace since MSNBC used to work for David Axelrod."

Axelrod was the chief strategist for Obama's re-election campaign and a former White House adviser. MSNBC is considered to be a liberal-leaning television network.

Obama also made light of his wife's new bangs, drawing laughter from her when he showed mock pictures of himself with the same hairdo.

(Additional reporting by Elwina Nawaguna and Peter Cooney; Editing by Paul Simao)

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Chicago Youth Centers Hosts Its Largest Annual Event - Believe in Kids

CHICAGO, April 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chicago Youth Centers (CYC), the city's most established and supportive urban youth organization, invites the public to attend and lend support to its Believe in Kids Annual Dinner with keynote appearance and oration by author and Walgreens' Chief Diversity Officer and Divisional Vice President Steve Pemberton on May 2, 6 to 9 p.m. This year, the event is chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Denison of Northbrook, IL.

As CYC's most impactful fundraising effort of the year, the event gains support for providing children from some of Chicago's most underserved communities with effective high-quality programs, from early childhood education to college and career readiness.

"Your attendance and support make a very significant difference in the academic, physical and social development of Chicago's youth," said Barbara Mosacchio, President and CEO of CYC. "Every effort benefits our children, and with dramatically increased violence and unemployment rates, there has never been a stronger need for CYC."

Last year's event raised nearly $300,000, which helped CYC serve more than 5,400 children, parents, and guardians in a combination of core programs, including early childhood education, school-age child and teen development and Camp Rosenthal, as well as targeted programs, such as comprehensive community-based youth services and education support initiatives. CYC has set a goal to double that amount through this year's event.

The night will include a three-course dinner and award ceremony to recognize Spirit of Youth Award Recipient Raymond James and Mr. Patrick T. DeLacey, and name a Chicago high school senior as the recipient of the Sid Epstein Believe in Kids Scholarship for $5,000 to his or her selected college. Steve Pemberton also will speak about his recently published memoir, A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home, which chronicles his struggle through foster care and his determined search for his family despite the odds against him.

"We also very honored to have Steve deliver the keynote oration," said Mosacchio. "He is the embodiment of the positive outcome CYC strives toward for every child, and he is a remarkable illustration of how a child born into a difficult situation can overcome adversity and thrive beyond his and others' expectations."

Event Details

CYC's Believe in Kids Dinner is on Thursday, May 2, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago in the Grand Ballroom, located at 120 E. Delaware, Chicago, Ill. Individual tickets are $500 each. Sponsorships start at $5,000. Business attire is required. Contact Beth W. Carona, CFRE, Vice President of Development, at 312-913-1700 x440 or at beth.carona@chicagoyouthcenters.org

About Steve Pemberton and A Chance in the World

Steve Pemberton is a child advocate, motivational speaker and author of A Chance in the World. He currently serves as the Chief Diversity Officer and Divisional Vice-President for Walgreens. He has become recognized as one of the nation's leaders on matters of diversity and inclusion and its importance to the growth of the American industrial complex. In 2006, Fortune named Pemberton one of the Top 20 Chief Diversity Officers in corporate America. In 2007, he was called to Capitol Hill to provide expert testimony on best practices in diversity recruiting and in 2008 he was named by Savoy as one of The Top 100 most influential African-Americans in corporate America.

A Chance in the World is Pemberton's autobiography that chronicles his difficult path through foster care and determined search for his family. Pemberton's book has been featured by People Magazine, The Boston Banner, The Boston Herald, Crain's Chicago Business and multiple news networks across the country. For more information on Steve Pemberton, please visit www.apbspeakers.com.

About Chicago Youth Centers

Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) invests in the academic, social and emotional development of children and teens in underserved Chicago communities to help them discover and realize their full potential. Founded by Elliott Donnelley and Sidney Epstein in 1956, CYC has grown to include eight neighborhood centers, seven 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and Camp Rosenthal. CYC provides youth, ages three to 19, with the following programs: Early Childhood Education, School-Age Child Development, Teen Leadership Development, Camp Rosenthal, Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services, and Education Support Initiative. In Program Year 2012, CYC served more than 5,400 youth, parents, and guardians. Visit www.chicagoyouthcenters.org for more information.

Media Contact: 
Jill Campbell 
Chicago Youth Centers 
218 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60604  
(312) 330-0722 
www.chicagoyouthcenters.org 
jill.campbell@chicagoyouthcenters.org

SOURCE Chicago Youth Centers

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