The Organic Center to Unite Industry Influencers for 7th Annual VIP Dinner at Natural Products Expo West

Featured speakers Andrew Weil, M.D., Sara Snow, Horst Rechelbacher, Margaret Wittenberg and Dr. Charles Benbrook to address guests on critical health benefits of organic food and farming

BOULDER, Colo., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Organic Center (the Center), a leading research institute focused on the science of organic food and farming, will hold its 7th annual VIP dinner during Natural Products Expo West at the Anaheim Marriott's Platinum Ballroom on March 12, 2010.  The cocktail reception will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with the dinner following from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Center's website at: https://www.organic-center.org.  A press briefing on 'the state of the organic industry' will be held at 6 p.m.

The event celebrates the Center's advances in understanding the science behind the benefits of organic food and farming and will raise funds for 2010 research initiatives.  The dinner will be attended by a cross-section of industry leaders, environmental advocates, health care leaders, business innovators, government officials and academics.  Guests will hear from key speakers Dr. Andrew Weil, renowned pioneer in integrative medicine, Sara Snow, green lifestyle author and TV host, Horst Rechelbacher, author and founder of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients, Margaret Wittenberg, author and Global VP of Quality Standards and Public Affairs for Whole Foods Market, and the Center's chief scientist, Dr. Charles Benbrook, on the critical health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming.  In addition, guests will experience a gourmet organic menu created by Chef Sandy Gendel of Pace (pronounced PAH-chay), a Los Angeles-based restaurant specializing in rustic Italian cuisine created from locally sourced organic ingredients.  

"We find ourselves at a critical point in time where climate change and human health are increasingly pressing issues that can be positively affected through the adoption of organic farming methods and the consumption of its output," said Joan Boykin, executive director for The Organic Center.  According to Mark Retzloff, Chairman of the Board. "The Center's VIP Dinner is designed to celebrate everyone from newcomers to long-time advocates who have supported our mission of advancing and communicating credible science to help individuals live more healthfully."

In advance of the cocktail reception, the Center will host a press briefing where Dr. Charles Benbrook and key speakers will share insights on 'the state of the organic industry,' giving a recap of critical moments in the past year and projected trends.  Specific emphasis will be given to the Center's upcoming research focus, which includes the mounting evidence of health risks associated with pesticide exposure in the diet, food safety, and the role of organic farming practices in mitigating global warming.  To RSVP to the press briefing, please contact Mia Herron at [email protected].

To host a table for 10 guests, become an event sponsor, or make a tax-deductible donation, contact Steve Hoffman at [email protected] or (303) 499-1840.  For opportunities to donate product to the dinner, please contact Jamie Kelly at [email protected].

About The Organic Center

The Organic Center's unique mission is to advance scientific research on the health and environmental benefits of organic food and farming, and to communicate those benefits to the public. As an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education organization, we envision improved health for the Earth and its inhabitants through conversion of agriculture to organic methods. All of The Organic Center's research reports, publications, consumer guides and videos are available free of charge on our website, www.organic-center.org.

SOURCE The Organic Center