NEW SPEAKER FOR 2012 INAUGURAL EVENT:

JOAN LUNDEN TO PRESENT KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON SEPTEMBER 24^TH

            The 2012 Inaugural Event on behalf of the Combined Jewish Appeal will be held on Monday, September 24, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Mill Creek Fellows Riverside Gardens, it was announced by Sam Shapiro and Jeff Simon, 2012 General Campaign Co-Chairs.  The Inaugural Event will feature new keynote speaker Joan Lunden, who replaces Josh Malina.  Joan Lunden’s  keynote address is entitled “I Was Not Born Blonde or Jewish”, a personal account of moving East to the Big Apple, making it in the media and converting to Judaism, all choices that played a part in shaping Joan’s life.

            Joan Lunden truly exemplifies today’s modern working woman.  An award-winning television journalist, New York Times bestselling author, sought-after motivational and keynote speaker, successful entrepreneur, and one of America’s most recognized and trusted television personalities, and mom of seven, Lunden has, and continue to do it all.

            As host of Good Morning America for nearly two decades making her the longest running host ever on early morning television, she brought insight to top issues for millions of Americans every morning.  She reported from 26 countries, she interviewed political and business icons and covered four presidents and five Olympics.  With a keen interest in health and wellness, Joan Lunden has continued to be a reassuring and informative presence in American homes for more than 30 years, whether speaking before millions on television, thousands from a conference dais, hundreds at her women’s wellness camp, or communicating “one-on-one” through her blog.  She speaks regularly on health and wellness, parenting, success and defining your brand, philanthropy and giving back, successful parenting, and more.

            One of the most visible women in America, Lunden has graced the covers of more than 40 magazines and book covers.  She is the co-author of a new edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul dedicated to Family Caregivers (release date: March, 2012).  This book is Lunden’s second with Chicken Soup for the Soul since in 2010 she wrote the forward to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom, a Mother’s Day special edition of the famous book series.  It was re-released again in 2011.  Her other books include Growing Up Healthy: Protecting Your Child From Diseases Now Through Adulthood; Wake-Up Calls; A Bend In The Road Is Not The End of the Road; Joan Lunden’s Healthy Living; Joan Lunden’s Healthy Cooking; Mother’s Minutes Your Newborn Baby; and Good Morning, I’m Joan Lunden.  She also hosts the exercise video Workout America.

            Invitations have been mailed and there is no minimum contribution to attend the Event.  There is no charge for Event, which includes a dessert reception, but advanced reservations are requested by September 19 by calling Andy Lipkin at 330-746-3250 ext 114 (alipkin@jewishyoungstown.org).   A major donor’s dinner will precede the Event beginning at 5:15 p.m. at Mill Creek Fellows Riverside Garden.

            For further information, call the Campaign office.  Serving as Co-Chairpersons for the Inaugural Event are Harris and Sheryl Roth.