Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACCOMPLISHED ACTOR, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR AND PHILANTHROPIST,
EDWARD NORTON TO HEADLINE PHILANTHROPIC NETWORK EVENT IN NYC

February 8, 2010--- New York City, NY---Philanthropic planners, wealth managers, philanthropists, and allied professionals will have the rare opportunity to meet a gifted entertainment icon and compassionate philanthropic luminary. Edward Norton, accomplished actor, producer, director and humanitarian is the featured speaker at NYPAN’s Winter 2010 Program, “A Conversation with Edward Norton,” where he will share his philanthropic passions and discuss his numerous contributions toward environmental and social change programs. The event will take place on Monday, March 1, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Citigroup Center, 601 Lexington Avenue (53rd & Lex).

Mr. Norton is a financial supporter of--and is active in--more than nine advocacy and conservation projects and philanthropic organizations. These include the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (President of the US Board), Enterprise Community Partners, Signature Theatre Company, Friends of the High Line, and Middle East Peacemakers Fund at Yale University, among others. One of his primary engagements is Enterprise Community Partners which was created by his grandfather, James Rouse, the celebrated developer and humanitarian. Enterprise is one of the largest non-profit developers of affordable housing in America and has invested more than $11 billion and created more than 200,000 homes. Mr. Norton helped launch ECP's $125 million capital campaign with a personal contribution of $1.1 million.

Members of the highly regarded Metro New York Philanthropic Advisors Network (NYPAN) group will also learn about Mr. Norton’s appointment by President Obama to the Committee for the Arts and Humanities and the many ways his active participation will showcase and assist cultural and educational development programs in the U.S. Since 1994, his position on the Board of New York’s Signature Theater Company has helped the company’s fundraising efforts and, as Co-Chair of their newly launched capital campaign, he will help lead the way toward construction of the $70 million Signature Center on West 42nd Street, designed by renowned architect, Frank Gehry. Additionally, the benefit premieres of his films at Baltimore’s historic Senator Theater have raised nearly $1 million for numerous organizations and causes in the state, including the Johns Hopkins Neuro-oncology Research Lab.

During the luncheon, Mr. Brian Kenet, Consulting Principal, the Environmental Financial Consulting Group, will interview Mr. Norton and facilitate the discussion which will focus on his philanthropic philosophy. Mr. Kenet is also a Fellow and Research Associate at the Harvard Graduate School of Design Center for Technology and Environment, and he holds an AB from Harvard University and an MBA from Pace University. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from his philanthropic successes. The discussion group will also focus on various ways to discuss philanthropy with investors; the advisor’s role in philanthropic planning; what does legacy mean to individuals; and other topics of interest.

NYPAN is expecting attendance from various multidisciplinary professions including wealth managers, philanthropic planners, financial advisors, CPAs and accountants, insurance specialists, and attorneys. In addition to the financial professionals invited to the NYPAN event, the limited availability meeting is open to nonprofit consultants, trust officers, non-profit executives, and development officers and staff as well. For more information, contact Yale Levey, VP NYPAN, 973-228-6566 yale@ngwp.org or visit the NYPAN website at www.nypan.org.

The Metro NY Philanthropic Advisors Network (NYPAN) www.nypan.org is a network of philanthropically oriented advisors and consultants within wealth management, insurance, family offices, accounting, legal, or other areas that serve clients with charitable intent. NYPAN is organized by the membership base within the NY metropolitan area, and provides opportunities for members to attend educational events, network with peers, and share best practices. Through association with NYPAN, members gain insight into how to better integrate philanthropy into their discussions with clients and advance the cause of giving in their communities.