Manfrotto Distribution & Kata Donates $20,000 to Wounded Nature Charity In Support of Veteran-Focused Initiative

RAMSEY, N.J., July 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Manfrotto Distribution and Kata announced that they have donated $20,000 to the charity, Wounded Nature – Working Veterans, as a result of a special promotion in which Manfrotto Distribution donated $5 to Wounded Nature for each Kata product purchased and registered at www.katahaveaheart.com. A non-profit entity known for cleaning up rural beaches and estuaries on the East Coast, Wounded Nature employs veterans and assists them in obtaining their first post-service civilian job.

The partnership between Manfrotto Distribution / Kata and Wounded Nature was spearheaded by acclaimed photographer and decorated US combat veteran, Stacy Pearsall, who played an integral part in the selection of a veterans' charity. According to Bill Drysdale, Managing Director of Manfrotto Distribution, "Stacy's moving work as a combat photographer and unwavering support of veterans and veterans' causes served as an inspiration for the program."

"We are thankful to Manfrotto Distribution and Kata for partnering with Wounded Nature and their generous donation of $20,000 to the Wounded Nature – Working Veterans charity," states Rudy Socha, CEO of Wounded Nature. "This donation will allow us to pay for some pending programs that will accelerate our growth cycle. One direct benefit that a segment of Kata Bags' customer base, nature photographers will receive is Wounded Nature will be using this money to preserve their livelihood. Nature Photographers need abundant wildlife and pristine environments to capture that 'money' shot. These funds will be used to deliver that type of environment to their customer base and we will be using veterans to do it."

"We are proud and honored to have been a partner in such a positive initiative with Wounded Nature and look forward to the possibility of working with them again in the near future," says Doug Feldner, Category Manager, Kata & National Geographic Brands. "This partnership was ideal for the Kata brand as we are always looking for ways to give back to our communities. Not only will we be assisting our American heroes, but we will also be preserving beaches and wildlife to ensure continued great experiences and photographs for generations to come."

For more information, please visit: www.katahaveaheart.com

About Manfrotto Distribution

Manfrotto Distribution, Inc. is a leading distributor of key accessories brands for the photographic, video, cine and lighting production markets. Manfrotto Distribution is an international company within the Imaging Division of the Vitec Group, which owns the following leading international brands: Manfrotto, Gitzo, Kata, Avenger and Lastolite. As the U.S. distributor of National Geographic, Metz, Gossen, Elinchrom and Rotatrim, which are available nationwide through an extensive network of authorized dealers, Manfrotto Distribution offers the most complete range of exceptional camera and lighting accessories in the business. The Manfrotto Distribution international network covers the U.S., Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Hong Kong, China and Japan. www.manfrottodistribution.us.

About Wounded Nature - Working Veterans
Wounded Nature – Working Veterans is a Charleston, SC based 501c3 non-profit focused on cleaning beaches, promoting recycling and assisting veterans to obtain their first civilian job. Starting in 2012 they will have 5 houseboats utilizing veterans to clean beaches, visit military bases and hospitals, and educate the public about recycling and littering at port festivals on the East Coast. Each vessel will represent a separate branch of the service and have its own sponsor.  To learn more about Wounded Nature or make a donation to this worthwhile charity, visit www.woundednature.org

SOURCE Manfrotto Distribution