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National Center for Learning Disabilities to Honor Ted Turner at 31st Annual Benefit Dinner

New York, NY – In celebration of its 31st anniversary, the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) will hold its annual benefit dinner, "Voices of Our Children, Voices of Our Future," on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at New York City's Marriott Marquis. This year’s honoree, Ted Turner, will be recognized for his philanthropic contributions to children and education.

NCLD will give its Spirit of Achievement Award to Mr. Turner, chairman of the United Nations Foundation, for his international commitment to children. Through his numerous charitable achievements, Mr. Turner has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring a safe and just world for future generations. The Turner family knows the significance of providing equal opportunities to all children and adults impacted by learning disabilities.

“NCLD is inspired by the Turner family’s passion and commitment to give children a better future,” said James Wendorf, NCLD's executive director. “We are delighted that Ted and his family will be a part of NCLD’s mission to provide support to our nation’s 15 million children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities.”

“Every child deserves encouragement and support so they have the opportunity to achieve their dreams,” said Ted Turner.  “We are excited to support NCLD and their dedication to the success of future generations.”

NCLD’s annual benefit dinner is the largest national fundraising event held in support of approximately 15 million children, adolescents and adults affected by learning disabilities. This event raises over two million dollars annually to support the organization’s educational programs. The benefit also showcases the Anne Ford Scholarship, given to a high school senior with a diagnosed learning disability who plans to attend a four-year college.  This award was established by NCLD’s board, in honor of the organization’s chairman emeritus, Anne Ford.

Leadership for this year’s benefit includes Fred Poses, chairman and chief executive officer of Trane, and chairman of the NCLD board of directors, and his wife, Nancy Poses, who is serving as benefit committee chair. This year’s dinner chairs are Peek and Jennie Garlington, Mr. Turner’s son-in-law and daughter.  Serving as honorary dinner chairs are Mark and Renee Rockefeller, Donald Rosenfeld, Jeff and Ammanda Salzman, Remy and Lara Trafelet, NCLD board members Arthur and Jody Bellows, Anne Ford, John G. Gantz, Jr. and Margot Levinson, John and Stephanie Ingram, Michael C. Lasky and Peggi Einhorn, Richard and Audrey Zinman, and longtime NCLD supporters Ken deRegt and Mary Q. Pedersen.   

Proceeds from this event will allow NCLD to continue its mission to ensure that all children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work and life.

NCLD provides essential information to parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities, promotes research and programs to foster effective learning, and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities.

For more information about NCLD or the benefit dinner, please visit LD.org.