NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The ADVERTISING Club of New York honored Charlene Lake, SVP, Public Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer, and Esther Lee, SVP, Brand Marketing, Advertising and Sponsorships, both of AT&T, as the 2012 "Advertising Person(s) of the Year" at a luncheon on October 1, 2012, at The Plaza Hotel in New York.
Lake and Lee, two game changers in the industry, were recognized for their inspirational work on two important campaigns from AT&T: "Aspire" and "It Can Wait."
Through "Aspire," AT&T has launched a 350 million dollar campaign to help more students graduate from high school, get ready for careers and college, and to help ensure that the U.S. is better prepared to meet global competition.
AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign aims to educate all wireless users, especially teen drivers, on the risks of texting while driving. AT&T is committed to putting an end to this behavior through a message that is simple, yet vital: When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait.
Lake, whose "Aspire" campaign embraces creativity across cultures, and Lee, whose "It Can Wait" campaign inspires innovation for the greater good, are two executives illustrating how to leverage an organization's corporate social responsibility and its commitment to engage consumers and add depth to its brand.
"We're very pleased to acknowledge Charlene and Esther's work with the 2012 Advertising Person(s) of the Year award. Their leadership and vision behind these inspirational campaigns go beyond creativity in advertising and leave a long-lasting, positive impact on our community, proving the power of advertising in changing people's lives for the better," said Gina Grillo, President and CEO of The ADVERTISING Club of New York.
The Office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a Proclamation from the City of New York stating October 1st is "It Can Wait Day," encouraging all New Yorkers to take the pledge to never text and drive.
Additionally, AT&T has generously offered an underwritten academic scholarship for two deserving New York City college students studying in the field of advertising, marketing and communications. The recipients will each receive a $5,000 scholarship under Lake and Lee's names, and all net proceeds from this event are earmarked for the scholarships.
Each year, The ADVERTISING Club of New York recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the advertising industry with the "Advertising Person of the Year" award and celebrates the recipient(s) at a reception. Established in 1959 by The American Advertising Federation, recipients are those active in furthering industry standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.
About The ADVERTISING Club of New York
The ADVERTISING Club is the premier organization for all advertising and marketing professionals in New York. Founded in 1896, the AD Club offers its members a forum to exchange ideas, make connections and honor excellence. The Club's Foundation provides students numerous educational outreach programs that give back to build a stronger and more diverse advertising and marketing community. The Club is the facilitating sponsor of the International ANDY Awards, which acknowledge outstanding creative achievement around the world in the field of advertising. www.theadvertisingclub.org.
SOURCE The ADVERTISING Club of New York