The Help Group to Honor CBS's John Nogawski, Senator Darrell Steinberg and Microsoft, Inc. at Its Annual Teddy Bear Ball

Holiday Gala Will Benefit Children with Autism and Other Special Needs

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Help Group announced today that John Nogawski, President, CBS Television Distribution, will be the recipient of its 2011 Help Humanitarian Award in recognition of his outstanding philanthropic spirit and commitment to children with special needs. That same evening, The Help Group will present its Champion for Children Award to California Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and its Corporate Philanthropy Award to Microsoft Inc. The 15th annual Teddy Bear Ball will take place on Monday, December 5th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel International Ballroom.

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This year's gala chairs are Julie Chen & Leslie Moonves along with co-chairs Nancy O'Dell & Keith Zubchevich, Linda Bell Blue & Steven Blue, and Lissa & Ken Solomon.  O'Dell, co-host of Entertainment Tonight, will also serve as the emcee for the evening's festivities.

As President of CBS Television Distribution, Nogawski oversees all areas including syndication sales, advertising sales, programming and development, marketing, research, legal and business affairs. CBS Television Distribution is the pre-eminent company in television syndication, producing and distributing 12 first-run series including such notable shows as Judge Judy, Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.

The Help Group will recognize Senator Steinberg for his long-standing and trailblazing leadership on behalf of children with special needs and their families. His landmark autism insurance coverage bill was recently signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. 

Microsoft Inc., through its corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs strategic software grant process, has provided a one-half million dollar product donation to support The Help Group's Tools for the Future Technology Project.  Its generous support has enabled The Help Group to expand its technology tools and resources for its students. 

Each year, the Teddy Bear Ball is attended by hundreds of prominent entertainment and community leaders and features special performances by children of The Help Group and their celebrity friends. The 2010 honorees were Doug Herzog, President of MTV Networks Entertainment Group, and Jason Katims, executive producer/head writer Parenthood and Kathleen Katims, parent advocate.

To purchase tickets or for further information, please call Julie Hirschberg at The Help Group at 818-779-5282 or email [email protected]

ABOUT THE HELP GROUP

Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional problems. The Help Group's seven specialized day schools offer pre-K through high school programs for more than 1,400 students. The Help Group's broad range of mental health and therapy services, child abuse and residential programs extends its reach to more than 6,000 children and their families each year. With more than 850 staff members, The Help Group's state-of-the-art schools and programs are located on six campuses in the Los Angeles area.

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SOURCE The Help Group