Hoda Kotb and Kay Unger to Receive Top Philanthropic Honor From City of Hope

LOS ANGELES — Television co-host and news correspondent Hoda Kotb and fashion designer Kay Unger will receive City of Hope’s top philanthropic honor, The Spirit of Life® Award, on Monday, May 4, at the Waldorf=Astoria, with top news media, fashion and entertainment leaders attending. Hosted by City of Hope’s East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League, the “Woman of the Year” luncheon will honor these two women who have made notable contributions to their professions, their community and to charitable causes. Kotb and Unger, both cancer survivors, are both staunch advocates for the medical advancement and treatment of cancer.

Television personality and singer, Kathie Lee Gifford, will present Kotb, co-host of NBC’s fourth hour of "Today," with her award, while Tim Gunn, chief creative officer, Liz Claiborne and co-host of “Project Runway” and “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style,” as well as longtime friend, will present Unger her award.

“It is a privilege to be acknowledged by such a remarkable institution,” said Kotb. ”It is truly heartening to know that City of Hope is so deeply committed not only to treating and curing forms of cancer, but also to caring for the mind, body and soul of their patients.”

“I’m honored to receive this special award from City of Hope,” said Unger. “In recognition of cancer survivors around the world, my hopes are that some day researchers will discover a cure for cancer and ways to prevent cancer for future generations.”

“City of Hope is proud to honor both Hoda and Kay for their remarkable achievements,” said Dan Lacovara, associate vice president, communications, City of Hope. ”Both are women of incredible talent, strength and courage, and are role models and an inspiration to women everywhere. It is only fitting that they receive City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award, which celebrates these admirable characteristics.”

Past honorees of The Spirit of Life Award include Fran Drescher, Kelly Ripa, Cindy Crawford, Paula Zahn, Mary Tyler Moore and Katie Couric. To purchase tickets, please visit www.cityofhope.org/eastend or contact Robyn Youkilis at 917-484-0095 or ryoukilis@coh.org. For more information on City of Hope, visit www.cityofhope.org.

As part of the event, Saks Fifth Avenue has teamed with Kay Unger for a special event on Wednesday, April 29 taking place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Floor Four. During this event, Saks Fifth Avenue and Kay Unger New York will donate 10 percent of all Kay Unger fashions purchased by attendees to City of Hope. The event is open to the public.

About Hoda Kotb
Hoda Kotb is a co-host of NBC‘s “Today” and a correspondent for “Dateline NBC.” A seasoned reporter, she’s lent her distinctive style to a variety of national and international issues. She covered the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, a very personal story for Kotb who lived in New Orleans for six years. She has reported on the conflict in the Middle East and on the devastating effects of the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia.

One of the most compelling stories covered by Kotb was her own battle with breast cancer. She selflessly shared her journey with her television audience in the hopes of helping other women. Kotb has said that cancer made her fearless, giving her the assurance that she could handle anything. Through her grace and fortitude, she has touched millions of lives. She has also generously lent her support to the Libby Ross Breast Cancer Foundation.

Kotb is a four-time Emmy nominee. She has received the Gracie Award for Individual Achievement, the Alfred I du Pont-Columbia University Award, as well as an Edward R. Murrow Award and the prestigious Peabody.

Prior to joining NBC News, Kotb worked for the CBS affiliate in New Orleans as an anchor and reporter as well as in Florida, Illinois and Mississippi. She began her broadcast career with CBS News as a news assistant in Cairo, Egypt.

About Kay Unger
Blending her own personal philosophy with the unique corporate ethic of Kay Unger New York, Kay Unger’s design collections which include Kay Unger New York and Phoebe Couture are specifically designed for today's woman, with a focus on, femininity, fit and classic style. . As co-founder and head designer of her company, Unger brings over 38 years of fashion experience to her work. She is an industry trailblazer, celebrated for her special relationship to her customers and someone who has gained the respect of her peers throughout the fashion world.

A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Unger's initial inspiration grew out of her couture background, and she was embraced into the fashion industry during her time as Geoffrey Beene's apprentice. Today, her exquisite signature prints and intricate hand beading pay homage to the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood's golden era. All of her clothing pays close attention to the contours of a woman's body, making the most out of every curve and line, showing her keen understanding of ladylike luxury.

In addition to her commitment to her career as a designer including the Epstein Fine Arts Fund and Boys and Girls Clubs of America, she is an active member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and a former president of the Fashion Group International, during which time she was responsible for raising more than $250,000 for breast cancer research.

Unger was also recently appointed to the board of directors of Parsons The New School for Design. Unger has been named one of the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World, and is a founding member of the Committee of 200, a business organization representing the top female entrepreneurs in America.

About City of Hope
City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.