Michael Bloomberg, John Legend and Glenn Close to Join Town & Country's Fourth Annual Philanthropy Summit at Hearst Tower on May 9, 2017

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - May 03, 2017) - Town & Country announced Michael Bloomberg, John Legend, Glenn Close and more will participate in its fourth annual Philanthropy Summit on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Taking place at Hearst Tower, this invitation-only event will tackle hot-topic issues such as climate change, criminal justice reform, mental health, the global refugee crisis and the importance of philanthropy as a family value.

The 2017 Summit coincides with the magazine's June/July T&C 50 Philanthropy issue (on sale nationwide May 16), which will feature Michael Bloomberg, John Legend and Cate Blanchett on three separate covers. The issue highlights a venerable group of 50 academics, business tycoons, entertainers, political leaders and tech giants who are currently shifting the philanthropic landscape.

"Now in its fourth year, this is our most ambitious and exciting Philanthropy Summit to date," said Stellene Volandes, editor in chief of Town & Country. "I can't think of a better time in our nation's history to highlight a group of individuals dedicated to helping others, and we hope that both the Summit audience and our readers can be moved to realize that we all can make a difference."

Michael Bloomberg will kick off the day with a keynote address on climate change and the responsibility to improve the world around us. NBC News correspondent Cynthia McFadden will moderate a discussion on The Case for Arts Philanthropy with Sarah Jones, Oskar Eustis and Elaine Wynn, followed by a live interview with the grandchildren of Elizabeth Taylor, together for a rare public appearance, to share how they are continuing their grandmother's philanthropic legacy. Jerry Storch, chief executive officer of Hudson's Bay Company, and president of HBC Foundation, will introduce a panel on mental illness featuring Glenn Close. ABC News Anchor David Muir will lead a panel discussion on the global refugee crisis that includes David Miliband and Zosia Mamet. Chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern, a champion of Wellness in the Schools, is catering the lunch, which will feature John Legend in conversation on criminal justice reform with former White House senior advisor Valerie Jarrett.

The T&C Philanthropy Summit is presented by U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management (Title Sponsor), HBC Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Frédérique Constant and The TreadRight Foundation.

"Town & Country's Philanthropy Summit celebrates thoughtful leaders across varied fields upholding a deep commitment to giving back," said Jennifer Levene Bruno, Town & Country VP/publisher and chief revenue officer. "We are grateful to our sponsors who help underscore our annual event highlighting the importance of philanthropy in our world today."

Attendees of the Philanthropy Summit will also have the opportunity to experience the Tribeca Film Festival's Virtual Reality (VR) Arcade with a special viewing of The Protectors: Walk in the Ranger's Shoes, a new virtual reality short film from director Kathryn Bigelow and VR creator Imraan Ismail. The eight-minute film highlights the African elephants' race toward extinction at the hands of ivory-seeking poachers.

Full lineup includes (in order of appearance):

• Michael Bloomberg -- U.N. Secretary General Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change and former mayor of New York City
• Sally O'Brien -- The Pew Charitable Trusts
• Cynthia McFadden -- NBC News Correspondent
• Sarah Jones --Tony Award-winning performer and writer
• Oskar Eustis -- Artistic Director, The Public Theater
• Elaine Wynn -- Philanthropist and Los Angeles County Museum of Art board co-chair
• Evan Beard -- National Art Services Executive, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management
• Charlotte Jones Anderson -- EVP, Dallas Cowboys and Chairman, Salvation Army's National Advisory Board
• Elizabeth Taylor's Grandchildren: Eliza Carlson, Finn McMurray, Rhys Tivey, Quinn Tivey, Laela Wilding, Naomi Wilding, and Tarquin Wilding -- The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
• Jerry Storch -- CEO, Hudson's Bay Company, and President, HBC Foundation
• Perri Peltz -- Journalist, filmmaker
• Glenn Close -- Actress and co-founder, Bring Change 2 Mind
• Michael Porath -- CEO, The Mighty
• Dr. Lloyd Sederer -- Chief Medical Officer, The New York State Office of Mental Health
• Courtenay Cabot Venton -- International development economist
• Sandra Uwiringiyimana -- Jimbere Fund
• David Muir -- Author, Anchor of ABC World News Tonight
• David Miliband -- President & CEO, International Rescue Committee
• Zosia Mamet -- Actress and ambassador, War Child USA
• Chef Michael Anthony -- Head Chef, Gramercy Tavern
• Ann Limberg -- Head of Philanthropic and Family Office Solutions, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management
• John Legend -- Singer, actor, and founder of #FreeAmerica
• Valerie Jarrett -- former White House senior advisor

For more information on the summit, visit TownandCountrymag.com and follow along at #TandCPhilanthropy

ABOUT TOWN & COUNTRY

Town & Country (www.townandcountrymag.com) has chronicled American life since 1846, always putting an emphasis on people of style and accomplishment who give something back to the world, whether in service, philanthropy or creative endeavor. Combining the highest level of reporting with the very best photography, Town & Country is an acute observer of the broader social landscape, documenting notable weddings and parties, chronicling the pastimes and passions of leading figures and families everywhere, and casting an anthropological eye on the lives of the rich and powerful. The magazine is a trusted source of privileged information, taste and unpretentious fun -- in short, an irreplaceable guide to the very best that the world has to offer. Follow Town & Country on Twitter at @TandCMag.

ABOUT HEARST MAGAZINES

Hearst Magazines is a unit of Hearst (www.hearst.com), one of the nation's largest diversified media and information companies. With 21 titles in the U.S., Hearst is the leading publisher of monthly magazines in terms of total paid circulation, reaching 78 million readers and 80 million site visitors each month (comScore), with a social media following of 88 million. In addition, the company publishes close to 300 editions and 200 websites around the world. Hearst Magazines Digital Media includes 21 websites for brands such as Cosmopolitan, ELLE, ELLE DECOR, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire and Seventeen and Delish.com. The company also includes iCrossing, a global, full-service digital marketing agency.

ABOUT U.S. TRUST, BANK OF AMERICA PRIVATE WEALTH MANAGEMENT

U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management is a leading private wealth management organization providing vast resources and customized solutions to help meet clients' wealth structuring, investment management, banking and credit needs. Clients are served by teams of experienced advisors offering a range of financial services, including investment management, financial and succession planning, philanthropic and specialty asset management, family office services, custom credit solutions, financial administration and family trust stewardship.

U.S. Trust is part of the Global Wealth and Investment Management unit of Bank of America, N.A., which is a global leader in wealth management, private banking and retail brokerage. U.S. Trust employs more than 4,000 professionals and maintains 93 offices in 31 states.

As part of Bank of America, U.S. Trust can provide access to a broad range of banking solutions for individuals and businesses, and an extensive retail banking platform.

ABOUT HBC FOUNDATION

Established in Canada in 2005 and in the U.S. in 2017, the HBC Foundation is the North American charitable arm of Hudson's Bay Company, one of the fastest-growing retailers in the world. The foundation is a Canadian registered charity and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the U.S. dedicated to improving lives by enhancing physical and mental health through education, access, research, and empowerment. By channeling the collective power of HBC's banners in North America, including Hudson's Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH and Gilt.com, the foundation helps to transform the mental health landscape.

ABOUT THE PEW CHARITABLE TRUSTS

The Pew Charitable Trusts works with philanthropists to make long-lasting, powerful, positive change -- always based on solid research and tangible goals. As a global nonprofit, we find the facts and use them to inform the public, improve public policy, and invigorate civic life. For nearly seven decades, we have produced measurable results addressing the most pressing challenges of the day across the United States and around the world. If you are interested in exploring how facts can drive innovation and improve people's lives in tangible ways around the globe, we invite you to learn more at www.pewtrusts.org/invest.

ABOUT FRÉDÉRIQUE CONSTANT

Frédérique Constant is a watch manufacturer based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland. The company is involved in all stages of watch production, from initial design, to final assembly and quality control. Frédérique Constant develops, manufactures, and assembles in-house calibers, 21 different versions since 2004. In 2015 Frédérique Constant introduced the first Swiss made Horological Smartwatch, powered by MMT SwissConnect and entirely displayed with an analog dial, thereby creating an entirely new watch category in the Swiss watch industry. Frédérique Constant watches are defined by their high quality and differentiation and precision in design and manufacturing. Their perceived value, through quality of design, materials, and manufacture, is a key component of their success. Each watch is assembled by hand, with the latest equipment and extensive controls, to ensure maximum quality and durability. The company embraces innovation to offer creativity and exceptional value. Its 32,000 square foot facility in Geneva is ultra-modern and offers the best environment for its passionate watchmakers. For more information, please visit www.frederiqueconstant.com.

ABOUT THE TREADRIGHT FOUNDATION

Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's (TTC) family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit that works to help ensure the environment and communities we visit remain for generations to come. Founded by Brett Tollman, Chief Executive Officer, TTC, to date TreadRight has supported more than 40 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. As an official Diamond Sponsor of the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017, TTC is dedicated to bringing the industry together with a shared goal of benefitting local communities and the environment. To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at www.treadright.org.