Female Entrepreneur and Food Industry Icon Will Receive Economic Impact Award

Female Entrepreneur and Food Industry Icon Will Receive Economic Impact Award

Bpeace will honor Lidia Bastianich with Its Economic Impact Award during their annual Gala that raises awareness and funds for female entrepreneurs in post- conflict areas of Rwanda and Afghanistan.

NEW YORK, April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Bpeace (The Business Council for Peace) will honor author, public television host, chef and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich with the first ever Economic Impact Award on May 14, 2008 during their third annual fundraising gala. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Capitale, 130 Bowery, New York City.

The annual event raises funds to facilitate the work of Bpeace and its programs that accelerate the growth of female entrepreneurs in conflict and post-conflict countries including Afghanistan and Rwanda. CNBC's Margaret Brennan will emcee the evening, and Nicholas D. Lowry of Swann Auction Galleries will auction items and experiences provided by Ms. Bastianich.

"While Lidia is most recognizable as an Italian food icon, Bpeace is honoring her as an entrepreneurial role model for all women whose families have suffered through violence in their countries, been displaced as refugees, and then channeled their courage to start businesses," said Bpeace chairperson and co-founder Toni Maloney. "Her accomplishments are a testament that women, such as those in our program, can build strong businesses that foster peace, prosperity and stability in their communities."

Tickets for the event start at $500. For more information about the Bpeace gala, or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.bpeace.org/gala.

About Ms. Bastianich

Ms. Lidia Bastianich immigrated to the United States in 1958 with her family under the sponsorship of Catholic Charities after living in "displaced refugee" status in Trieste, Italy for two years. Her first job was at Walken's Bakery in Astoria, working alongside the bakers' son, who grew up to become the award-winning actor, Christopher Walken. She opened her first restaurant in Queens, NY when she was only 24 years. Now 62, Ms. Bastianich is a cookbook author, television host, and renowned chef and restaurateur. For more information about Ms. Bastianich visit:

www.lidiasitaly.com

About Bpeace

The Business Council for Peace (www.bpeace.org) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, based in New York City with offices in Kabul and Kigali. Established in 2002, Bpeace is an international network of business professionals who volunteer to help women in conflict and post-conflict countries build sustainable businesses to provide for their families and strengthen their abilities to foster peace. Bpeace has the support of the U.S. Department of State. The Afghan and Rwandan female entrepreneurs in its program employ nearly 1,800 people who support more than 12,000 family members.

Source: Bpeace

CONTACT: Lauren Hass for Bpeace, +1-203-535-2784, celebrate@bpeace.org

Web site:

http://www.bpeace.org/
http://www.lidiasitaly.com/

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