WHAT: Mathew and Tina Knowles will receive the esteemed National PTA Commitment to America's Children Award for their work across the country on behalf of families and children in need. The award presentation will take place during National PTA's Commitment to America's Children Gala. The event will feature a special performance by recording artist CeCe Peniston. WHERE: Palmer House Hilton Hotel; 17 East Monroe Street, Chicago WHEN: Thursday, October 30 6:30 p.m. Reception 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Awards WHO: Hundreds of education, business and community leaders from across the country will gather in Chicago to honor this year's recipients, as well as reaffirm their commitment to America's children. VIPs include: -- Mathew Knowles -- a record executive and manager from Etowah County, Alabama. He is the father and manager of R&B star Beyoncé Knowles and her sister Solange Knowles. -- Tina Knowles -- a fashion designer for her House of Deréon brand. She served as the designer of costumes for her daughter's musical group, Destiny's Child. -- CeCe Peniston -- a multi-platinum recording artist and Billboard star. Her long-line of hits features numerous #1 dance songs, including: "Finally"; "Keep on Walkin'"; and "Hit By Love." NOTE: Available for in-studio interviews prior to event. -- Byron Garrett -- National PTA's recently appointed and first-ever male, African-American Chief Executive Officer. -- PTA National Board of Directors -- The elected Board of Directors from PTA's across the country direct the organization's efforts in child education, health, and welfare of children and youth. WHY: Mathew and Tina Knowles, along with their daughters Beyoncé and Solange and Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland, as well as in conjunction with St. John's Church, are passionate about helping the homeless and youth. Their combined efforts to help families and children include: -- Building The Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth in Houston; -- Establishing The Survivor Foundation; -- Establishing the Knowles-Rowland Temenos Place Apartments in Houston; -- Launching The Beyoncé Experience Tour Food Drive in the United States and a Beyoncé Experience Global Food Drive around the world to help; -- Donating to numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the world. MEDIA RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY ADMITTANCE. TO REQUEST INTERVIEWS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact James Martinez; National PTA Media Relations Manager Phone: 312-670-6782, ext. 325; Cell: 773-339-4533; E-mail: jmartinez@pta.org.About PTA As the nation's largest volunteer parent organization, PTA comprises more than 5 million members, including parents, students, educators, school administrators, and business and community leaders. With more than 25,000 local units, PTA flourishes in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Department of Defense schools in Europe and the Pacific. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. To view a media-rich version of this release, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2008/pta_102008/index.html.
Contact Information: Contact: James Martinez National PTA Media Relations Manager Phone: 312-670-6782, ext. 325 Cell: 773-339-4533 E-mail: