K.I.D.S. Announces New Chairman of the Board

Posted by Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S) - 3/17/11

International Children’s Charity Appoints AAFA President and CEO Kevin Burke

New York, NY – March 17, 2011 – Kids In Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.), the internationally renowned children’s charity, today announced that it has named American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) President and CEO Kevin Burke as its new Chairman of the Board, effective immediately.

Mr. Burke brings to the chairmanship 30 years of Washington government relations expertise and a strong network of relationships in the retail, apparel and footwear industries. As President and CEO of AAFA, Mr. Burke oversees the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and suppliers, whose combined industries account for more than $370 billion in annual retail sales. Since joining AAFA in 2001, Mr. Burke has been responsible for growing its membership base, member programs, financial position and standing on Capitol Hill.

“As a longtime supporter of K.I.D.S., we are thrilled to announce Kevin as Chairman of the Board,” said Dr. Janice Weinman, President of K.I.D.S. “His extensive background in building relationships, fundraising, and advocating on behalf of association members will be a key asset as we continue to grow. Further, Kevin’s extensive retail industry contacts will prove extremely valuable to K.I.D.S. as we look to build new partnerships and expand our reach in helping children in need around the world.”

“I am honored to serve as Chairman of K.I.D.S., as children facing homelessness, poverty, illiteracy and domestic abuse benefit everyday from the dedication and service that K.I.D.S. provides,” said Mr. Burke. “New clothing and shoes fill a critical need in building hope and self-esteem, and I look forward to leveraging my expertise and relationships to gain additional support of K.I.D.S. within the industry.”

Mr. Burke is a member of various political and trade association CEO groups in the Washington, DC area, and currently serves on several boards of directors including: the American Apparel Education Foundation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s National Chamber Foundation and its Committee of 100, among others.

ABOUT K.I.D.S.

Celebrating 25 years in service, K.I.D.S. has provided over 65 million underprivileged and disaster-struck children with close to one billion dollars of NEW clothing, toys, basic necessities, juvenile products, books and much more. The donations of new products are distributed through an established network of nearly 1,000 local community social service agencies in the U.S. and abroad. K.I.D.S.’ efforts reach youth, age 0-18, who are challenged by poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse, low literacy, military family service, major illness, incarcerated family members and disaster survival. More information about donating new products and supporting our work is available online at www.KIDSdonations.org.