WASHINGTON , D.C. – At its 24th annual fund-raising dinner in New York City last night, the Walter Kaitz Foundation raised more than $1.7 million for programs promoting diversity in the cable industry.
More than 1,300 cable industry executives attended the dinner, where U.S. Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and ESPN were honored. The amount of money raised by the cable industry in support of the Kaitz Foundation exceeded last year’s total by more than $200,000.
Presenting the awards at the dinner were civil rights activist Martin Luther King III and tennis champion Serena Williams. Gospel stars Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin, joined by 50 children from The Gospel Music Channel Youth Choir, were part of the evening’s special entertainment.
“It was wonderful to see the entire cable industry come together for a special evening dedicated to diversity,” said David Porter, Executive Director of the Walter Kaitz Foundation. “The generosity of the industry goes far to strengthen some of cable’s most successful diversity initiatives. Even more special was the participation from Martin Luther King and Serena Williams, two individuals who personify the importance of diversity and the kind of work the Walter Kaitz Foundation does throughout the year.”
Last night's dinner, co-chaired by Glenn Britt, President of Time Warner Cable and Decker Anstrom, President of Landmark Communications, honored a Diversity Advocate and Diversity Champion.
The 2007 Diversity Advocate, presented to an individual external to the industry who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to diversity, was U.S. Rep. Edolphus Towns (D – NY) who accepted his award from Martin Luther King III. Rep. Towns has been an active supporter of diverse programming, advocated efforts that would help close the digital divide, and sought Congressional hearings to insure that the new Nielsen television rating system accurately reflects minority viewing patterns. In addition, he sponsored the bill to create the Telecommunications Development Fund which would provide capital for small and minority telecommunications businesses.
"I would like to thank the Kaitz Foundation for this most prestigious award. I promise to continue to keep diversity as a consideration when introducing and voting on legislation," said Rep. Towns.
ESPN was saluted as the 2007 Diversity Champion, an award that honors individuals or organizations that act as catalysts for diversity, within their respective organizations, or throughout the industry. George Bodenheimer, President of ESPN, accepted the award from Serena Williams on behalf of the company. ESPN was honored for their commitment to diversity through their content directed to diverse audiences, supplier diversity initiatives, and the company-wide Diversity Council that works to integrate diversity and inclusion into ESPN’s workforce, culture and operations. ESPN also has a successful mentoring program that emphasizes diversity and is designed to build a diverse leadership pipeline.
"All of us at ESPN are honored and pleased to have been a part of an exceedingly successful evening for the Kaitz Foundation. We congratulate David and his team for their leadership and drive in bringing important diversity programs to the industry,” said George Bodenheimer, President of ESPN.
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 National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT), and the Emma Bowen Foundation. These organizations fund initiatives such as leadership and professional development programs, career coaching, skills training, mentoring, and professional internships. Funding from last night’s dinner primarily will help these organizations cover expenses for many of their programs in 2008.
Further information about the event and information about the activities of the organization can be found on the Kaitz Foundation website, www.walterkaitz.org.