Washington, D.C., Oct. 31, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Award-winning actress, philanthropist and organic entrepreneur Jennifer Garner will be the keynote speaker at The Organic Center’s 15th Annual Benefit Dinner on March 8 at the Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, California.
With the theme of “Bringing Science to Life,” the event—the single biggest fundraising event for The Organic Center and the largest business networking dinner at the trade show – will bring together hundreds of organic visionaries, activists and businesses to enjoy an all-organic feast and spotlight the latest science on the environmental and health benefits of organic food and farming.
In addition to having a diverse career in both movies and television and for the past five years serving as the Artist Ambassador for Save the Children’s U.S. program, Garner recently co-founded the organic food company Once Upon a Farm with John Foraker, former president of organic food company Annie’s, and organic entrepreneurs Cassandra Curtis and Ari Raz. The company currently offers a line of cold-pressed organic baby food and applesauce and plans to expand to more categories.
“I’m thrilled and honored that I’ll be a part of this incredible evening,” said Garner. “As a mom with three kids, I know how important it is to feed our children the most nutritious foods grown in the most sustainable ways. I am passionate about organic, about childhood nutrition and about leaving our planet a healthier place. I’m honored to help celebrate and bring attention to the important work of The Organic Center.”
Last year’s gala drew more than 500 organic stakeholders, and raised over $400,000 to help advance the projects of the non-profit research and education organization. Chef Matthew Raiford will return to create the all-organic dinner. Raiford is the executive chef and owner of The Farmer and The Larder and Strong Roots Provisions. He also is a sixth-generation organic farmer.
“The Organic Center’s fundraiser is always an inspiring and very special evening, and Jennifer’s participation will help promote the research and consumer education on organic being done by The Center,” said Todd Linsky, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for The Center. “The Organic Center’s work empowers farmers and consumers to make well-educated decisions based on sound research, but it doesn’t happen without the support of many. Our sincere thanks to Jennifer for joining us in this effort.”
The Organic Center continues to “bring science to life” through relevant and exciting projects that include recently published groundbreaking research conducted in collaboration with Northeastern University that compared over 1,000 soil samples nationwide. Findings showed that soils from organic farms sequester more carbon than soils on conventional farms, demonstrating that organic agriculture is an important part of addressing climate change. Other important projects underway are a collaboration with researchers at Emory University to investigate reducing exposure to chemicals by consuming organic dairy, and another with the Sustainability and Health Initiative for NetPositive Enterprise (SHINE) at the Harvard School of Public Health to quantify the benefits of organic food and farming for the environment and human health.
Event sponsors include New Hope Network, Frontier Co-op, UNFI, KeHE, Once Upon a Farm, Organic Valley, Whole Foods Market, Josie’s Organics and Braga Fresh Family Farms, Gallant, and Naturepedic.
Sponsorship* opportunities are available for businesses to showcase their commitment to The Organic Center’s efforts to verify the science-supported benefits of organic food and farming. Contact Amy Bovaird, Development Director, to learn more.
*Sponsorship levels include a tax-deductible donation (sponsor amount less value of complimentary tickets).
The Organic Center's mission is to convene credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming and to communicate the findings to the public. The Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed5215a6-abf1-4a86-a744-9db9e3408dc5
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/75fac7d5-9fbd-416f-9ec7-c548940da39d