Russell Simmons to Host UNICEF's 2007 New York Snowflake Lighting
UNICEF Snowflake Brightens Fifth Avenue on November 17
NEW YORK, Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF announced that Russell Simmons will host the annual UNICEF Snowflake Lighting ceremony, taking place on Saturday, November 17, at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in front of Tiffany & Co. A strong supporter of UNICEF and Chairman & CEO of Rush Communications, Simmons is known as a "hip-hop pioneer" for his groundbreaking vision that has influenced music, fashion, finance, television and film, as well as the face of modern philanthropy. Honoring the spirit of giving, Tiffany & Co. and Hallmark Cards, Inc. will sponsor the 2007 UNICEF Snowflake Lighting. The UNICEF Snowflake tradition continues with a similar lighting ceremony, also on November 17, in Beverly Hills at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard.
The evening's celebration will begin with a festive recital by the Brooklyn Youth Chorus at 6:30 PM, followed by the lighting ceremony where Russell Simmons and the UNICEF/Pier 1 greeting card contest winners will take the stage and flip the switch to illuminate the UNICEF Snowflake. Existing as a beacon of hope, peace, and compassion for children around the world since 1985, the UNICEF Snowflake has become an iconic fixture in New York City during the holiday season. It was handcrafted by German lighting designer Ingo Maurer and is adorned with 16,000 Baccarat crystal prisms. At 23 feet in diameter, over 28 feet in height and weighing 3,300 pounds, the UNICEF Snowflake is the largest outdoor chandelier of its kind.
Onlookers will enjoy music and hot chocolate while watching the magnificent UNICEF Snowflake light up, signifying the beginning of the gift- giving season across the globe. Adding to the excitement of the show this year, Tiffany & Co. will unveil their much-anticipated holiday windows. Showing support of UNICEF's mission to save children's lives worldwide, the Tiffany & Co. windows' theme will be inspired by the UNICEF Snowflake. Continuing their support of UNICEF's mission, Tiffany & Co. has designed an exquisite sterling silver Tiffany Snowflake Charm with 25% of the retail sales price of all charms sold between November 17 and December 31 at Tiffany's nine New York region stores benefiting the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.
The UNICEF Snowflake Lighting is open to the public. Press Call is scheduled for 5:45 PM in front of Tiffany & Co.
About UNICEF
For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international children's organization, working in 156 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect why kids are dying. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. While millions of children die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival. www.unicefusa.org.
About Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. (NYSE:TIF) was established in 1837 with a commitment to quality and craftsmanship, standards that are the basis of its magnificent heritage as one of the world's premier jewelers. Renowned for its diamond authority and meticulous selection of materials, the company continues as fashion's leading light with a stunning progression of designs that are both timeless and ultimate expressions of contemporary taste. These objects of desire epitomize a life lived well and reveal Tiffany in its truest light: a dynamic enterprise of modern glamour and luxury that is dedicated to its great tradition of excellence. For additional information, please visit www.tiffany.com.
About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Kansas City-based Hallmark is known throughout the world for its greeting cards, related personal expression products, and television's most honored and enduring dramatic series, the Hallmark Hall of Fame. The company's Crayola subsidiary provides fun and imaginative ways for children to colorfully express themselves. The company publishes products in more than 30 languages and distributes them in more than 100 countries. In 2006, Hallmark reported consolidated net revenues of $4.1 billion.
Source: U.S. Fund for UNICEF
CONTACT: Katherine White of Paul Wilmot Communications, +1-212-206-7447,
Ext. 30, kwhite@greatpress.com; or Marissa Buckanoff of UNICEF,
+1-212-922-2485, mbuckanoff@unicefusa.org
Web site: http://www.unicefusa.org/
http://www.tiffany.com/
