Washington, DC – Last evening in Denver, the Walter Kaitz Foundation Annual Fundraising Dinner raised just over one million dollars for programs promoting diversity in the cable industry. T.J. Holmes, anchor of CNN Newsroom, hosted last night's festivities, attended by more than 700 cable executives. The dinner’s theme, “Make a Statement. Make a Difference.” highlighted the evening’s presentations.

The dinner was co-chaired by Abbe Raven, President & CEO of A&E Television Networks, and Tom Rutledge, Chief Operating Officer of Cablevision Systems Corporation. The co-chairs presented Comcast Corporation and Turner Broadcasting System with the Diversity Champion Award, an honor bestowed on individuals or organizations that act as catalysts for diversity within their respective organizations, or throughout the industry.

“Once again, the entire cable industry generously stepped up to support the Foundation’s efforts on behalf of women and people of color,” said David Porter, Executive Director of the Walter Kaitz Foundation.

Noting the appearance of an autumn snowstorm that deposited more than a foot of snow in the Denver area on the day of the dinner, Porter said, “While the weather outside was frosty, the dinner was a warm gathering that celebrated the industry’s strides for greater inclusion. Thank you to the dinner’s sponsors and everyone who helped make it a success.”

The funds generated from the dinner help fuel the activities of three industry-based organizations with programs and activities designed to prepare people of color and women for executive positions in the cable industry. Those groups are the Emma L. Bowen Foundation, the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT). The initiatives of these organizations focus on leadership and professional development, career coaching, skills training, mentoring, and professional internships.

Further information about the event and information about the activities of the organization can be found on the Walter Kaitz Foundation’s website, www.walterkaitz.org.