Marie Osmond Dances into Spotlight at 2007 Kids Count in Indiana Conference

Two-Day Event Also to Focus on Child Hunger in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - A champion of children's causes, member of one of the most prolific entertainment families in the world and a current contestant on TV's popular "Dancing with the Stars" will give the keynote address Dec. 6 at the Indiana Youth Institute's 2007 Kids Count in Indiana Conference.

Marie Osmond, who once sang "I'm a little bit country" to her brother Donnie's "I'm a little bit rock and roll" line in a hit single, will once again find herself in a music-related environment as the conference's theme is "Youth Workers Rock!" The two-day event takes place Dec. 5 and 6 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

Osmond rose to fame in the 1960s, performing with The Osmond Brothers, and became a star in her own right in 1973 when as a 13-year-old she became the first female artist in country music history to debut with a number one record, "Paper Roses."

Since that time, Marie Osmond has recorded more hit records, become a host and star of network television shows, played the lead in Broadway musicals, written a top ten New York Times best-selling book, launched a widely popular line of collectible dolls, and tested her dancing skills as a contestant on the current edition of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."

While Marie Osmond considers her eight children her greatest achievement, next in line would be her role as co-founder/co-host, with John Schneider, of Children’s Miracle Network, a project of The Osmond Foundation. The largest annual broadcast in fundraising history, it has raised in excess of $3.4 billion since 1983 for children's hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 1989, the Country Music Foundation presented Marie with the prestigious Roy Acuff Award in recognition of her efforts on behalf of children.

"In addition to being a devoted mom, Marie Osmond has used her celebrity status to benefit countless children across the nation through the Children's Miracle Network," said Bill Stanczykiewicz, president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute. "Marie Osmond is one of America's most beloved entertainers from one of America's all-time favorite families, and we're thrilled that she will grace our annual statewide conference for Indiana youth workers."

Osmond takes over the keynote speaking duties from Henry Winkler, who recently accepted the role of Captain Hook in a London Stage production of "Peter Pan."

The conference opens Dec. 5 with an Issues and Answers session titled "Children and Hunger in Indiana." Set against the backdrop of Indiana's rising child poverty rate – up from 14 percent in 2000 to 17 percent in 2005 – the session features an esteemed panel of experts with experience in hunger relief efforts, most notably Peter Dunn and James T. Morris.

Dunn is the board chair of America's Second Harvest: The Nation's Food Bank Network, the nation's largest charitable hunger relief organization. He is leading an effort to develop a national approach for securing food from manufacturers. Dunn has had a distinguished career in management and marketing roles at Steak 'n Shake, Borden Foods Corp., Kraft General Foods, and Claussen Pickle Company.

Morris served for five years as the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme and previously held positions in Indianapolis city government and with Lilly Endowment Inc. He currently serves as special advisor to the CEO/President of Pacers Sports and Entertainment.

The 2007 Kids Count in Indiana Conference will bring together an estimated 1,200 youth workers, such as those working in before- and after-school programs, nonprofit directors and managers, youth ministers, juvenile justice workers, child care workers, teachers, school counselors, youth program volunteers and child advocates.

This year's conference will offer nearly 50 workshops and 100 exhibits. Conference instructors include state and national experts in youth development. Youth workers in attendance have several opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units, while Continuing Renewal Units are available for teachers, school counselors and other licensed educators.

The $150 registration fee covers full conference admission, including continental breakfast and lunch both days, access to the Resource Center, and a free 2007 Kids Count in Indiana Data Book. Attendees can also save $5 by registering online with a credit card at www.iyi.org. The registration deadline is Nov. 26.

The 2007 Kids Count in Indiana Conference is made possible in part through sponsorships from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Clarian Health, the Dekko Foundation, Crowe Chizek, Eli Lilly and Company, hhgregg, and Lilly Endowment Inc.

The Indiana Youth Institute promotes the healthy development of children and youth by serving the institutions and people of Indiana who work on their behalf. For more information, visit www.iyi.org

Source: The Indiana Youth Institute Press Release

Technorati Tags: News State 2007 Kids Count in Indiana Conference Bill Stanczykiewicz Dancing with the Stars Family Government Health Indiana Youth Institute - IYI Indianapolis James T Morris Marie Osmond Marion County Peter Dunn

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