K.I.D.S. Annual Women in Industry Luncheon to Honor Mary Gleason, Joan Karron, Lorna Nagler, Risa Goldberg and Leslie Venokur

New York, NY – April 25, 2011 – Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), the internationally renowned children’s charity, today announced that it will honor five women at its 5th Annual Women in Industry Awards Luncheon, for their outstanding contributions to children in need. The honorees are: Mary Gleason, President of the Schottenstein Luxury Group and Brand President of Judith Leiber, Adrienne Vittadini and Taryn Rose; Joan Karron, Executive Vice President and Principal of CHF Industries; Lorna Nagler, President of Beall’s Department Store and Risa Goldberg and Leslie Venokur, founders of Big City Moms.

Teri Agins, distinguished fashion journalist and author, will deliver the keynote address, and Melissa Russo, anchor for NBC New York, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pierre Hotel in New York City.

“We are recognizing this year’s honorees for their significant accomplishments in the professional and philanthropic worlds,” said Karen Bromley, Co-Founder of K.I.D.S. Mary Gleason is a highly regarded apparel executive, having built several prominent retail fashion brands. With thirty years of retail expertise, Joan Karron oversees one of the leading suppliers of home accessories. As a previous K.I.D.S. board member, Lorna Nagler has been a long-time supporter of the organization and its efforts in helping children in need. Risa Goldberg and Leslie Venokur have and continue to generously support K.I.D.S. through partnerships and events with Big City Moms, the largest mommy blog and number one resource for expectant and young mothers in New York.

Table sponsorships for the luncheon are $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 and $25,000. Individual tickets are $250. More information about tickets and sponsorships is available via email at or via phone at 845-758-6403.