Jennifer Lopez, Capitol File Magazine and Viacom Honored Marian Wright Edelman at Democratic National Convention

Jennifer Lopez, Capitol File Magazine and Viacom Honored Marian Wright Edelman at Democratic National Convention

Elected Officials, Policy Makers and Celebrities Gather in Support of Edelman's Fight for Children's Rights

DENVER, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Capitol File Magazine, Viacom and Jennifer Lopez, in cooperation with an honorary host committee, hosted a private reception to recognize Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and lifelong advocate for disadvantaged Americans. Ms. Lopez and the event hosts honored Mrs. Edelman's efforts to provide a strong, effective voice for all the children of American who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves.

Honorary host committee members in town for the Democratic National Convention included Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA 31st), Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Janet Murguia, president of National Council of La Raza. The reception's featured speaker was US Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO).

"Judging from her long and successful record, Jennifer Lopez is truly a hero to all of us. She is truly the American dream," said US Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO).

Prior to the reception, Ms. Lopez and Mrs. Edelman sat down with Capitol File's editor-in-chief Sherry Moeller for an exclusive interview. Both talked about the importance of philanthropy and the power of celebrity to bring a focus to important issues such as the rights of children. The following are excerpts from the interview:

"We know how to care for children. We need to take things to scale, and stick with them. It's not right that we have impoverished children in the wealthiest nation in the world. It will be our moral and socio-economic Achilles heel. We can all make a difference," said Marian Wright Edelman. "We need to see every child is healthy, educated, and productive. This is America's future. This is a nation-defining election year. It is crucial children are our top priority."

"The world is a different place for me now that I've had children. I want to set an example for my children on how to live their lives. You have to instill that charitable, philanthropic spirit. Be loud. Vote for your children. Vote for your nation," said Jennifer Lopez during today's interview. "I realized I could be a lightning rod. I can bring attention to issues people aren't listening to. People sometimes have to be held under a fire to make a change."

"Today's reception with Jennifer Lopez honoring Marian Wright Edelman is what Capitol File is all about -- bringing together people who are making a difference," said Capitol File editor in chief Sherry Moeller. "Our exclusive interview with Jennifer Lopez and Marian Wright Edelman brings to the forefront the issues most important to them, which are children's rights. Capitol File readers are exactly who they want to reach and inspire, from congressional representatives to CEOs to philanthropists."

The interview and images from the reception will run in the October 2008 issue of Capitol File.

In its fourth decade, the CDF has become the nation's strongest voice for children and families, paying particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. Under Edelman's guidance and direction, the CDF has worked relentlessly to lift children out of poverty, protect them from abuse and neglect, and ensure their access to healthcare, quality education, and a moral and spiritual foundation.

Editor's Note: Event images and video are available upon request. Contact Katie Young at 401-529-3955 or kyoung@qorvis.com.

About Viacom:

Viacom, consisting of BET Networks, MTV Networks and Paramount Pictures, is the world's leading entertainment content company. It engages audiences on television, motion picture and digital platforms through many of the world's best known entertainment brands, including MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, Rock Band, Nickelodeon, Noggin, Nick at Nite, AddictingGames, Neopets, COMEDY CENTRAL, Spike TV, TV Land, Atom, Gametrailers, BET, Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Vantage. Viacom's global reach includes approximately 160 channels and 340 online properties in 160 countries and territories.

About Capitol File:

OUR NATION'S CAPITAL IS HOME TO THE WORLD'S MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE, and CAPITOL FILE magazine reaches its most dynamic players. With six oversized issues printed annually, CAPITOL FILE offers only the finest in art, beauty, business, culture, dining, entertainment, fashion, jewelry, interior design, politics, real estate, sports and travel. CAPITOL FILE's unique distribution strategy affords advertisers the opportunity to reach the most discriminating consumers in metropolitan Washington.

About Niche Media Holdings: Niche Media, a subsidiary of Greenspun Media Group, was founded in 1992, and is the country's preeminent regional magazine company with the largest network of city-specific luxury publications in the United States. Niche Media consistently delivers the finest editorial content and advertising to a controlled group of influencers with the highest disposable incomes in each city. Niche Media reaches readers who maintain annual household incomes of at least $200,000 and have liquid assets in excess of $1 million, making the pages of these glossies some of the most valuable real estate in publishing. Additionally, the company brings its publications' pages to life with more than 500 dynamic A-list events across the country each year. With more than 300 full-time employees, Niche exceeds 30,000 pages annually, and its titles have a combined annual distribution of more than 8 million copies. Niche's titles provide advertisers and marketers with a direct connection to the most desirable markets across the country.

Source: Capitol File Magazine

CONTACT: Kelley McCormick, +1-202-669-6014 (cell),
kmccormick@qorvis.com, for Capitol File Magazine

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