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.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130513/DC13164)

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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AJC Participates in Major Event at Mauthausen Memorial

MAUTHAUSEN, Austria, May 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On May 5th, the anniversary date of the liberation by U.S. forces of the Nazi concentration camp Mauthausen, a major event was organized by the Austrian government to mark the date and the opening of permanent new exhibits.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100816/AJCLOGO )

An invited audience of close to 1,000 attended the program on the grounds of Mauthausen and then toured the new exhibits.

The program featured six keynote addresses. The speakers were Austrian President Heinz Fischer; Hungarian President Janos Ader; Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski; Chairman of the Russian Duma Sergei Naryshkin, Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni; and AJC Executive Director David Harris.  

The program was opened by Austrian Interior Minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner, under whose auspices the Mauthausen Memorial is maintained.

Many other dignitaries were in the audience, including several Austrian Cabinet members, the Speaker of the Austrian Parliament, the Serbian Prime Minister, the Czech Minister of the Interior, the U.S. Ambassador to Austria, and officials representing several other countries.

An estimated 200,000 people were deported to Mauthausen between its opening in 1938 and liberation in 1945. Approximately 90,000 were murdered there.

In his remarks, Harris said he draws three contemporary lessons from what occurred at Mauthausen and the other components of the Nazi reign of terror and genocide:

"First, we are obligated to take anti-Semitism seriously. It is a slippery slope from words to deeds, from demonization to destruction. Today, anti-Semitism is on the rise in Europe. A recent Tel Aviv University study made the point. Polls show it. Statistics prove it. And it is shameful that today there are at least three openly anti-Semitic political parties sitting in European parliaments.

"Second, the Holocaust is a sobering reminder of the centrality of Israel to the Jewish people and to Jewish security. To be sure, the vision of Israel dates back thousands of years. And, yes, modern Zionism began well over a century ago, long before the Holocaust, thanks in large measure to a far-sighted Viennese journalist, Theodor Herzl. He saw no future for Jews in Europe once he grasped the depth of anti-Semitism even after an era of Jewish emancipation. But how many Jews could have been saved from the Holocaust had Israel been established even ten years earlier, when Jews could still leave Europe but too often found no country that would permit them entry?

"And third, the words 'Never again' must not be just for repetition at commemorative events. They must become ingrained in governments, civil society, religious institutions, and individuals -- and practiced on a daily basis. The only way we can prove we have learned from the Mauthausens and Majdaneks is to strive for societies built on the bedrock principles of democracy, equal protection under the law, and mutual respect -- and to stand up with absolute moral clarity and courage against any manifestation of racism and anti-Semitism. Only then will be able to say that on our watch we have truly lived the words 'Never again.'"

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

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Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker To Host Community Event In Support Of Background Checks For Every Gun Sale

ALIQUIPPA, Pa., May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker will host a community event with Police Chief Andre Davis, Rob Conroy of CeaseFirePA and community members to demand action from Pennsylvania lawmakers to reduce gun violence. In April, Senators Pat Toomey and Robert Casey stood with 88 percent of Pennsylvania voters and voted to expand background checks to private gun sales at gun shows and online. Pennsylvania Representatives Mike Fitzpatrick, Pat Meehan, Matt Cartwright, Robert Brady and Chaka Fattah have co-sponsored identical legislation in the House.

WHAT: Community event in support of expanded background checks

WHO: Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker
Aliquippa Police Chief Andre Davis
Rob Conroy, Western PA Coordinator, CeaseFirePA
Antonio Pitts, Funeral Director, Pitts Funeral Home

WHEN: TOMORROW, Friday, May 3, 2013, 1:00 PM

WHERE: Aliquippa City Hall
581 Franklin Ave.
Aliquippa, PA 15001

RSVP: Dave Scholnick, Dave@MAIG.org

About Mayors Against Illegal Guns
Since its creation in April 2006, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has grown from 15 members to more than 900 mayors from across the country. We have more than 1.5 million grassroots supporters, making us the largest gun violence prevention advocacy organization in the country.  The bipartisan coalition, co-chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, has united the nation's mayors around these common goals: protecting communities by holding gun offenders accountable; demanding access to crime gun trace data that is critical to law enforcement efforts to combat gun trafficking; and working with legislators to fix weaknesses and loopholes in the law that make it far too easy for criminals and other dangerous people to get guns.  Learn more at www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org

CONTACT
Dave Scholnick, dscholnick@maig.org or 717-723-8864
Kate Downen at kdownen@maig.org or 406-224-5056

SOURCE Mayors Against Illegal Guns

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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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Guns And Women: Cary Event To Focus On Role Of Guns In Violence Against Women

Mayors Against Illegal Guns Will Release a New Ad and Research Findings on How Weak Gun Laws Turn Domestic Abuse into Murders; www.DemandAction.org

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

NEW YORK, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As national lawmakers are back in their home states and districts on recess, Mayors Against Illegal Guns is continuing its push for commonsense gun laws by highlighting the disturbing link between domestic violence and guns. The bipartisan coalition – along with the Center for American Progress in some states – is hosting events across the country featuring mayors, faith leaders, moms, law enforcement officials, gun violence survivors and family members of victims who will speak out about the need for comprehensive and enforceable background checks. 

In Cary, Morrisville Mayor Jackie Holcombe, gun violence survivor Kim Yaman and domestic violence prevention advocate Kit Gruelle will host a roundtable discussion on gun violence.

In conjunction with these events, the coalition will also release new research findings and an ad featuring Elvin Daniel, a gun owner and NRA member whose sister Zina Daniel was murdered in the Brookfield, Wis., spa shooting in October 2012 by her estranged husband.

Cary
What: Roundtable
Who: Morrisville Mayor Jackie Holcombe, gun violence survivor Kim Yaman and domestic violence prevention advocate Kit Gruelle
When:  Wednesday, April 3 at 1:15 PM
Where: Private residence, please contact wkmille@gmail.com for address

About Mayors Against Illegal Guns
Since its creation in April 2006, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has grown from 15 members to more than 900 mayors from across the country. We have more than 1.5 million grassroots supporters, making us the largest gun violence prevention advocacy organization in the country.  The bipartisan coalition, co-chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, has united the nation's mayors around these common goals: protecting communities by holding gun offenders accountable; demanding access to crime gun trace data that is critical to law enforcement efforts to combat gun trafficking; and working with legislators to fix weaknesses and loopholes in the law that make it far too easy for criminals and other dangerous people to get guns.  Learn more at www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org

CONTACTS
Erika Soto Lamb: esotolamb@rabengroup.com or 646-580-5281
Alex Katz: akatz1@cityhall.nyc.gov or 617-721-3779

SOURCE Mayors Against Illegal Guns

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Guns And Women: Columbus Event To Focus On Role Of Guns In Violence Against Women

Mayors Against Illegal Guns Will Release a New Ad and Research Findings on How Weak Gun Laws Turn Domestic Abuse into Murders; www.DemandAction.org

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

NEW YORK, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As national lawmakers are back in their home states and districts on recess, Mayors Against Illegal Guns is continuing its push for commonsense gun laws by highlighting the disturbing link between domestic violence and guns. The bipartisan coalition – along with the Center for American Progress in some states – is hosting events across the country featuring mayors, faith leaders, moms, law enforcement officials, gun violence survivors and family members of victims who will speak out about the need for comprehensive and enforceable background checks. 

In Columbus, Moms Demand Action and local supporters will host a roundtable and ad screening.

In conjunction with these events, the coalition will also release new research findings and an ad featuring Elvin Daniel, a gun owner and NRA member whose sister Zina Daniel was murdered in the Brookfield, Wis., spa shooting in October 2012 by her estranged husband.

Columbus
What:   Roundtable and Ad Screening
Who:    Moms Demand Action and local supporters
When:  Wednesday, April 3 at 3:00 PM
Where: Progress Ohio Conference Room, 172 E. State Street, 6th Floor

About Mayors Against Illegal Guns

Since its creation in April 2006, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has grown from 15 members to more than 900 mayors from across the country. We have more than 1.5 million grassroots supporters, making us the largest gun violence prevention advocacy organization in the country.  The bipartisan coalition, co-chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, has united the nation's mayors around these common goals: protecting communities by holding gun offenders accountable; demanding access to crime gun trace data that is critical to law enforcement efforts to combat gun trafficking; and working with legislators to fix weaknesses and loopholes in the law that make it far too easy for criminals and other dangerous people to get guns.  Learn more at www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org.

CONTACTS
Erika Soto Lamb: esotolamb@rabengroup.com or 646-580-5281
Alex Katz: akatz1@cityhall.nyc.gov or 617-721-3779

SOURCE Mayors Against Illegal Guns

View the original article here

Guns And Women: Reno Event To Focus On Role Of Guns In Violence Against Women

Mayors Against Illegal Guns Will Release a New Ad and Research Findings on How Weak Gun Laws Turn Domestic Abuse into Murders; www.DemandAction.org

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

NEW YORK, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As national lawmakers are back in their home states and districts on recess, Mayors Against Illegal Guns is continuing its push for commonsense gun laws by highlighting the disturbing link between domestic violence and guns. The bipartisan coalition – along with the Center for American Progress in some states – is hosting events across the country featuring mayors, faith leaders, moms, law enforcement officials, gun violence survivors and family members of victims who will speak out about the need for comprehensive and enforceable background checks. 

In conjunction with these events, the coalition will also release new research findings and an ad featuring Elvin Daniel, a gun owner and NRA member whose sister Zina Daniel was murdered in the Brookfield, Wis., spa shooting in October 2012 by her estranged husband.

Reno
What:   Event with Center for American Progress 
Who:    Danielle Baussan and Emily Sussman of the Center for American Progress
When:  Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30 PM  
Where: University of Nevada Student Union

About Mayors Against Illegal Guns

Since its creation in April 2006, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has grown from 15 members to more than 900 mayors from across the country. We have more than 1.5 million grassroots supporters, making us the largest gun violence prevention advocacy organization in the country.  The bipartisan coalition, co-chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, has united the nation's mayors around these common goals: protecting communities by holding gun offenders accountable; demanding access to crime gun trace data that is critical to law enforcement efforts to combat gun trafficking; and working with legislators to fix weaknesses and loopholes in the law that make it far too easy for criminals and other dangerous people to get guns.  Learn more at www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org.

CONTACTS
Erika Soto Lamb: esotolamb@rabengroup.com or 646-580-5281
Alex Katz: akatz1@cityhall.nyc.gov or 617-721-3779

SOURCE Mayors Against Illegal Guns

View the original article here

Guns And Women: Charleston Event To Focus On Role Of Guns In Violence Against Women

Mayors Against Illegal Guns Will Release a New Ad and Research Findings on How Weak Gun Laws Turn Domestic Abuse into Murders; www.DemandAction.org

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

NEW YORK, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As national lawmakers are back in their home states and districts on recess, Mayors Against Illegal Guns is continuing its push for commonsense gun laws by highlighting the disturbing link between domestic violence and guns. The bipartisan coalition – along with the Center for American Progress in some states – is hosting events across the country featuring mayors, faith leaders, moms, law enforcement officials, gun violence survivors and family members of victims who will speak out about the need for comprehensive and enforceable background checks. 

In Charleston, State Rep. Wendell Gilliard, National Organizing Director on Gun Violence Prevention Lance Orchid, gun violence survivors Lori Haas and Marie Tate, and Army veteran Brandon Upson will participate in a roundtable discussion with the Center for American Progress.

In conjunction with these events, the coalition will also release new research findings and an ad featuring Elvin Daniel, a gun owner and NRA member whose sister Zina Daniel was murdered in the Brookfield, Wis., spa shooting in October 2012 by her estranged husband.

Charleston
What: Roundtable with Center for American Progress
Who: State Rep. Wendell Gilliard, National Organizing Director on Gun Violence Prevention Lance Orchid, gun violence survivors Lori Haas and Marie Tate and Army veteran Brandon Upson
When: Wednesday, April 3 at 11:00 AM
Where: Felix Pinckney Community Center, 4764 Hassell Ave, North Charleston

About Mayors Against Illegal Guns
Since its creation in April 2006, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has grown from 15 members to more than 900 mayors from across the country. We have more than 1.5 million grassroots supporters, making us the largest gun violence prevention advocacy organization in the country.  The bipartisan coalition, co-chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, has united the nation's mayors around these common goals: protecting communities by holding gun offenders accountable; demanding access to crime gun trace data that is critical to law enforcement efforts to combat gun trafficking; and working with legislators to fix weaknesses and loopholes in the law that make it far too easy for criminals and other dangerous people to get guns.  Learn more at www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org

CONTACTS
Erika Soto Lamb: esotolamb@rabengroup.com or 646-580-5281
Alex Katz: akatz1@cityhall.nyc.gov or 617-721-3779

SOURCE Mayors Against Illegal Guns

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Richard Dreyfuss to Headline Joe Foss Institute's 2013 Stars in Service Event

April 7 Event at Arizona Biltmore to Highlight Need for Greater Civics Education to Prepare Students to Be Active and Responsible Citizens

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Sunday, April 7, the Joe Foss Institute (JFI) will hold its 2013 Stars in Service event at the Arizona Biltmore. In addition to honoring some preeminent national heroes and public servants, attendees will hear a keynote address by Academy Award-Winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, founder of the Dreyfuss Initiative. Other speakers and presenters include: Governor Mike Huckabee, Gary Sinise and Foster Friess.

"We are very excited to have Richard Dreyfuss participate in this year's Stars in Service event," said JFI President & CEO Lucian Spataro, Jr. "Our guests are in for a inspiring call to action from Richard on why civics must play a more central role in the American classroom."

"The United States needs a lesson in civics," said American Activist and Academy Award-Winning actor Richard Dreyfuss. "We must teach our kids how to run our country, before they are called upon to run our country. If we don't, someone else will run the country."

The Stars in Service event is designed to highlight JFI's programs and work to educate our nation's youth about the importance of patriotism, public service, integrity and America's unique freedoms and history. The evening's honorees include: Joe Mantegna, 2013 Patriotism Award Honoree; LTG William Boykin (ret.), 2013 Military Service Award Honoree; Allen West, 2013 Public Service Award Honoree; Mike Ingram, 2013 JFI Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree.

"It is my pleasure to be able to present the Joe Foss Institute's 2013 Award for Patriotism to my friend and fellow actor Joe Mantegna," said JFI's 2012 Patriotism Honoree Gary Sinise.

"It is an honor to be recognized for something that you love doing," said 2013 Patriotism Award Honoree Joe Mantegna. "It is important that we recognize the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform who protect our freedoms. It is even more critical that our young people understand their country's history if they are to be active and engaged citizens. I appreciate all that the Joe Foss Institute is doing to help meet this need all across the country."

For more information about the Stars in Service event call 855-563-3677 or visit http://www.joefossinstitute.org/news-events/events/

CONTACT: Andrew LeFevre
480-745-8237
alefevre@joefossinstitute.org

SOURCE Joe Foss Institute

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