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Ken Kutaragi 2007 “Nite to Unite” Honoree
Annual Black-Tie Event Raises Millions for Children’s Charities
September 10, 2007– Washington, DC – Ken Kutaragi, honorary chairman, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) and senior technology advisor, Sony Corporation, will be the 2008 Champion Honoree at the “Nite to Unite for Kids” (NTU), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today. NTU is the computer and video game industry’s premiere fundraising event, benefiting children’s charities across America. Known as the “father of the PlayStation®,” Mr. Kutaragi is being honored for his contributions to the industry.
“Ken’s contributions to our community and the entertainment lives of ordinary consumers are extraordinary,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president of the ESA, which represents U.S. computer and video game publishers. “His insight and vision revolutionized in-home entertainment, enabling advancements in creativity, technology, and innovation.”
Mr. Kutaragi had been directly responsible for the creation of the PlayStation platform business since SCE was established in 1993. During its 13 years in operation, SCE significantly changed the gaming landscape, elevating the business to mainstream levels and forging new frontiers in consumer-based computer entertainment.
Presented by the ESA and hosted by the ESA Foundation, this year’s event will include a black-tie optional dinner and a live and silent auction on Wednesday, October 17, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.
The “Nite to Unite for Kids” event has raised over $7.8 million for children’s charities since its inception in 1999. Co-chairs for this year are: Robbie Bach, president, Entertainment & Devices Division, Microsoft Corporation; Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer, Nintendo of America, Inc.; and, Jack Tretton, president and chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Past Champion Award recipients include: George Lucas, famed director and founder of LucasArts; GameStop’s Dan DeMatteo; Electronic Arts’ Bing Gordon; Toys ‘R Us’ Michael Goldstein; Nintendo's Howard Lincoln; Sega's Isao Ogawa; and Electronic Boutique’s Jeffery Griffiths.
Companies and individuals are invited to attend the gala event. Tickets are $500 for individuals, and table sponsorships are also available. For ticket information, please contact Leslie Price, Price Lampert Associates, at 1-800-949-3660, or via email at price.leslie@gmail.com.
The ESA Foundation was created by the American interactive entertainment software industry to support and provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America’s youth. The Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from "A Nite to Unite for Kids," its annual fund-raiser that has raised more than $7.8 million. Previous ESA Foundation grantees include: Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Delinquency Prevention Initiative - Year three; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Web Wise Kids; Just Think Foundation; YouthVision Challenge; Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) project; Starlight Starbright Foundation; PAX, Inc.; Association of Hole in the Wall Camps; and, Work Achievement, Values and Education (WAVE). Please visit www.theESA.com/foundation for more information.
“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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