New Yorkers Will 'Shop til They Drop' on Madison Avenue for Gifts and a Great Cause

November 28, 2006

Contact:
Ellen Lubell, The Children’s Aid Society, (w) 212-949-4938, (c) 917-854-6864
Emily Crossan, The Children’s Aid Society, (w) 917-286-1548, (c) 201-344-5742
Elaine Everhart, The Bank of New York, (w) 212-635-1579, (c) 914-263-4638

The Children’s Aid Society’s Health Care Programs to Benefit from December 3rd’s Miracle on Madison Avenue, Sponsored by The Bank of New York

Portion of Madison Avenue to be Closed to Traffic for Event

NEW YORK, November 2006 – New York’s holiday spirit will be on full display at the 20th annual Miracle on Madison Avenue, a shopping event bringing together over 100 of the leading retailers, restaurants and galleries on Madison between 57th and 86th Streets in support of the city’s neediest children. On Sunday, December 3 from noon to 5:00 p.m. participating retailers will donate 20 percent of the day’s sales to The Children’s Aid Society’s health care programs, which receive 70,000 visits a year and provide much needed care to children who might not otherwise get basic medical attention.

Madison Avenue is known worldwide as a shopper’s paradise. New York City’s fashionistas can shop some of their favorite designers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Calypso and this year’s new additions 45rpm, Anya Hindmarch, Joseph, and Leggiardo New York, all participants in Miracle on Madison Avenue. Popular retailers Ann Taylor, Crate & Barrel and Timberland are also among the participants generously donating 20 percent of the day’s sales to The Children’s Aid Society.

Robert Verdi, celebrity stylist, host of E! and the Style Network’s Fashion Police and member of the Miracle on Madison Avenue Honorary Committee, says, “I am thrilled to support The Children’s Aid Society and the unbelievable annual Miracle on Madison Avenue in assisting New York City’s most underserved children.” Other members of the Honorary Committee include Dan Bakkedahl, Tony Danza, Edie Falco, Debi Mazar, Diane Neal, Kelly Ripa, Tamara Tunie and Susan Sarandon. Ms. Tunie will be a special guest at the Miracle opening ceremony at noon on Madison Avenue and 69th Street.

This event marks the only day of the year that any portion of Madison Avenue is closed to vehicular traffic. Madison between 68th and 72nd Streets will become a pedestrian wonderland lined with an array of specialty tents offering distinctive experiences. The Bank of New York, Miracle on Madison Avenue’s presenting sponsor, will provide two tents this year – the Kids’ Entertainment Tent and a spa tent. A stop at The Clarins Spa Tent Presented by The Bank of New York at 72nd Street will combat the dreaded “shopper’s fatigue.” A visit to the Kids’ Entertainment Tent will help children – and parents – also enjoy the annual shopping event.

The Carlyle Restaurant at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel has been a long-term supporter of Miracle on Madison Avenue. This year, Executive Chef Jimmy Sakatos will prepare some specialties for shoppers who buy a “taste” in The Hospitality Tent Sponsored by Gotham Magazine and the Madison Avenue BID at 69th Street.

Miracle on Madison Avenue was created in 1987 by Martha Dupee and Noonie Marx, co-founders of the Madison Avenue Fund for Children. Since its inception, Miracle on Madison Avenue has raised over $6.3 million for charity. For the third year in a row, The Bank of New York is the event’s presenting sponsor and Gotham Magazine is the exclusive media sponsor.