New York — Samsung held its annual star-studded Hope for Children Gala last night at Cipriani Wall Street, here, honoring Samsung’s guests and partners who have helped improve children’s lives across the U.S.
With more than 700 guests in attendance, the event raised $1.6 million to benefit children’s health, education and sustainability programs. Additional celebrity partners at the gala included Boomer Esiason, Jimmie Johnson and host Sherri Shepherd.
Samsung Hope for Children, the company’s global corporate social-responsibility platform, brings together the company, its retail partners and a network of charitable organizations associated with renowned public figures.
Over the course of its 13-year history, Samsung Hope for Children has raised more than $30 million through the gala that has helped more than 750 schools, hospitals and community-based foundations throughout the U.S. One hundred percent of the gala proceeds and additional funds raised by Samsung throughout the year under its Hope for Children platform go directly to the charities.
“As the world’s leading technology company, Samsung recognizes the power of technology and caring people play in shaping a brighter future for our children,” said Gregory Lee, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America. “Our goal is to help children gain better health and education as well as empowering them to protect the planet on which they live.”
The New York City gala featured special performances by Carrie Underwood and Tony Bennett. Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America, presented the Samsung Hope for Children Champion of Hope Award to Eric LeGrand for his inspirational journey after a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
The presentation of the 2014 Samsung Hope for Children Ambassador Award included a video message from former President Bill Clinton and presentations by Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, Gregory Lee and Tim Baxter all in honoring Malala Yousafzai for her passion and dedication to opening the doors of education for girls all over the world. Shiza Shahid, CEO and co-founder of The Malala Fund, accepted the award in person on Malala’s behalf who expressed her gratitude via video.
Among the key sponsors and donors for the evening in the electronics/appliance industry were: Abt Electronics, Almo, Assurant Solutions, Best Buy, Bright House Networks, Climatic Home Products, Crutchfield, hhgregg, The Home Depot, Ingram Micro, Lowe’s, Nationwide Marketing, P.C. Richard & Son, Sears Holding and The Big Screen Store.
Aside from The Malala Fund and Team LeGrand of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the event also supports Tony Bennett’s Exploring the Arts organization, the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, the Boomer Esiason Foundation, and Sherri Shepherd’s support of the Parkside School.
To learn more about the Samsung Hope for Children initiative, visit Samsung.com/Hope. You can also check out the Samsung Hope for Children Facebook Hope tab at Facebook.com/SamsungUSA.