New York, NY – With nearly 1,600 attendees at last night's Walter Kaitz Foundation Annual Dinner, more than $1.5 million in donations was collected from the purchase of tables, tickets and other sponsorships, exceeding last year's total of $1.4 million by 9 percent.
The proceeds from the dinner will be awarded in grants to three "diversity partner" organizations with programs and activities that help prepare people of color and women for executive positions in the cable industry – the National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), Women in Cable & Telecommunications (WICT), and the Emma Bowen Foundation.
"Last night's Dinner theme of 'Diversity 365' is a reminder that diversity is not a program with a start-date and an end-date. It is an on-going process that needs to continue to work through the year," said Debbie Smith, Executive Director of the Walter Kaitz Foundation. "The proceeds from the dinner will fund initiatives such as leadership development programs, career coaching, skills training, and access to professional internship experiences. The effects of one night are felt throughout the rest of the year."
Last night's dinner, in a change from the previous format of saluting an individual, honored a slate of Diversity Champions and Advocates. The Diversity Champion Awards honor individuals in the cable industry whose inclusive leadership exemplifies a commitment to creating a climate in which diversity flourishes. The Diversity Advocate Award is presented to an individual external to the industry who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to diversity.
The following individuals were saluted as 2005 Diversity Champions:
- Glenn A. Britt, Chairman & CEO, Time Warner Cable
- Mae A. Douglas, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, Cox Communications, Inc.
- James A. Hatcher, Senior Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Cox Communications, Inc.
- Sherryl D. Love, Vice President of Materials Management, Cox Communications, Inc.
The 2005 Diversity Advocate was U.S. Rep. Mel Watt (D - NC, 12th District), Chairman, Congressional Black Caucus.
Further information about the event and information about the activities of the organization can be found on the Kaitz Foundation website, www.walterkaitz.org, or by contacting the Walter Kaitz Foundation at 202/775-3611.
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