Samsung Hope for Children raises $1.5 mln

Samsung gathered with its partners and special guests—including former first lady Laura Bush, Jennifer Hudson, and Eli Manning—to celebrate eleven years dedicated to improving children’s lives across the US. The event, held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, brought together nearly 900 guests who together raised nearly $1.5 million – the highest total in Samsung’s gala history – to benefit children’s health, education, and sustainability programs. Additional celebrity partners at the gala included Drew Brees, Jimmie Johnson, Jason Taylor, Boomer Esiason, Dan Marino, and co-hosts Regis Philbin, David Alan Grier, and John Legend. 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 11-year history, Samsung Hope for Children has raised more than $16.1 million through the gala that has helped more than 425 schools, hospitals, and community-based foundations throughout the US. 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 without stipulation. “Technology is an enabler for breakthrough innovations. It has provided Samsung the opportunity to make progress and improvements in the lives of children over the past 11 years,” said Y.K. Kim, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America. “We will continue empowering young people to learn, create, and collaborate with the ongoing support of our influential business and philanthropic partners, both in the U.S. and around the world.” Samsung Hope for Children has partnered with organizations such as TackleCF with the Boomer Esiason Foundation, Team Up For Technology with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, and TeamUp for Autism with the Dan Marino Foundation. The New York City gala featured special performances by Grammy and Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson and the nationally recognized PS22 Chorus from Graniteville, Staten Island, NY. Children from select New York City schools also joined the celebration by introducing former first lady Laura Bush. Mrs. Bush was presented with the Samsung Hope for Children Ambassador Award for her work with The Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries.