Bright Starts™ Announces the Fifth Annual Pink Power Moms™

ATLANTA, Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bright Starts, an innovative brand of toddler, baby and infant products, introduces the 2011 Pink Power Moms—eight women selected for their inspirational fight against breast cancer. A Pink Power Mom is a role model for her family and community and is chosen for her ongoing effort to support awareness, education and research and for her unselfish commitment to all those fighting breast cancer.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110511/MM00253-a)

Family and friends submitted inspiring stories of mothers who have battled the disease and dedicated themselves in the fight against breast cancer.  Bright Starts received a record number of more than 200 nominations this year, making the selection process difficult. The independent panel of judges, including Celebrity Actress Marcia Cross, identified eight extraordinary moms who are making a difference, and selected them as this year's Pink Power Moms.  

The 2011 Pink Power Mom winners, along with their respective charities, include:

• Jocelyn Whitfield Banks (Pink Ribbon Girls Charity in Cincinnati, OH)
• Rebecca Byrne (Jimmy Fund & Dana-Farber Institute in Framingham, MA)
• Katherine "Cass" Brown Capel (Save Ourselves Breast Cancer Resource Center in Auburn, CA)
• Tammie Denyse (Carrie's Touch in Sacramento, CA)
• Sue Glader (Mill Valley, CA)
• Maimah Karmo (The Tigerlily Foundation in Aldie, VA)
• Diana Klunk (Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition in Hanover, PA)
• Crystal Brown-Tatum (Sisters Network in Shreveport, LA).

These dynamic women will be honored during the Pink & Powerful celebration in Atlanta the weekend of November 18, which includes pampering, gifts, festive events and a spectacular gala on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Atlanta's High Museum of Art.  

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Pink Power Mom program, and to commemorate, Bright Starts has invited the 32 Pink Power Moms from previous years to attend. The previous year's honorees will join the eight 2011 Pink Power Moms in Atlanta for the weekend's momentous celebration.

Bright Starts™ for a Brighter Tomorrow
A portion of the proceeds from the Bright Starts Pretty in Pink collection goes towards the Pink Power Mom charities and breast cancer research and awareness. The collection features a range of adorable, girly items including the Bounce-A-Bout™ Activity Center, Tummy Cruiser™ Prop & Play Mat, Petal and Friends™ Activity Gym and an assortment of new toy items.

Bright Starts' Pretty in Pink Collection products range from $4.99 to $79 and are available at leading U.S. retailers and online at www.brightstarts.com/pink or www.pinkpowermom.com.  

About Kids II, Inc.
Kids II has been inventing and reinventing infant and toddler toys and gear for more than 40 years and has quickly become one of the world's fastest growing baby product companies. Headquartered in Atlanta, Kids II spans globally with operations in six continents serving customers in more than 70 countries. Driven by innovation, design and a comprehensive brand portfolio, Kids II is the next generation leader of infant and toddler products.

Kids II designs, markets and distributes more than 100 products under its signature Bright Starts™  brand name and holds the license to design and manufacture products for Disney Baby™ and Baby Einstein™ brands.  Most recently, Kids II acquired the intellectual property rights for the Rhino Toys™ and Taggies™ brands, further enhancing its brand collection and reinforcing its position as a global leader. Under its flagship brands, Kids II has produced more than 70 award-winning products.

Kids II's international affiliate operations are located in Australia, Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Mexico. Visit www.kidsii.com.  

About Bright Starts™

Bright Starts is an innovating brand of juvenile products that provides parents with smart, fresh solutions.  With a growing portfolio of over 100 innovative activity centers, play gyms, bouncers, swings, playards, and toys; Bright Starts' large selection of progressive products inspire confidence and engage curiosity.  Backed by awards from numerous leading industry and consumer organizations, Bright Starts is a trusted name for cleverly-designed, quality products for young children.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Bright Starts is the flag ship brand for Kids II, Inc., manufacturer, designer and marketer of toys and baby gear.  Visit www.brightstarts.com.

SOURCE Kids II, Inc.