UNICEF Receives Highest Honor at 2012 Cause Marketing Forum Conference

(3BL Media) Chicago, IL - May 31, 2012 - The Cause Marketing Golden Halo Award, the highest honor for companies and causes that collaborate to produce business and social dividends, was bestowed on UNICEF at the 2012 Cause Marketing Forum conference here today.

U.S. Fund for UNICEF President & CEO Caryl Stern accepted the award on behalf of the global organization and delivered a keynote address to 500 executives gathered for this conference on cross-sector collaboration to do well by doing good. UNICEF is the first organization to be recognized for its international cause marketing partnerships.

“We are honored to accept the Cause Marketing Golden Halo Award and are deeply grateful to our corporate partners.  Their ongoing support has been critical to UNICEF’s efforts to bring about a day when zero children die needlessly or lack access to a basic education,” said Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “In addition to providing funding for UNICEF’s lifesaving work, our partnerships help increase awareness of issues affecting children, reach new constituents, and provide the public with new and innovative ways to take action.”

UNICEF’s corporate partnerships provide essential resources for the organization’s work in more than 150 countries to help children survive and thrive.  With partners such as IKEA, Gucci, ING, Procter & Gamble, Starwood, and FC Barcelona, UNICEF has led the development of signature global and U.S. initiatives such as the “Change for Good” program with the airline industry and the iconic “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” campaign. 

“UNICEF is a pioneer in collaborating to create international programs that benefit its corporate partners and support its vital mission,” said David Hessekiel, president of the Cause Marketing Forum.   “Its leadership in forging initiatives that engage consumers in many lands made it truly deserving of the Cause Marketing Golden Halo Award for Nonprofits,” he said.

In her acceptance speech, Stern shared insights into building impactful partnerships that advance UNICEF’s mission and deliver business results for companies and brands around the world.  

“In our experience, private sector partnerships are most effective when our humanitarian aims align with our partners’ objectives and core capabilities. Partnering with UNICEF provides companies with an opportunity to engage with their consumers, reach shared goals, and demonstrate their commitment to the survival and development of children around the world,” Stern said.

Cause Marketing Forum, Inc., producer of the Cause Marketing Forum conference and Cause Marketing Halo Awards, helps business and nonprofit executives succeed together by providing practical information and inspiration, opportunities to build valuable relationships and recognition for outstanding work.  

A wealth of information on cause marketing and CMF’s offerings can be found at www.causemarketingforum.com