Nov 5, 2008

Cinda Baxter, Leslie Nathan-Street Join Gift for Life Board

(DALLAS) — Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ leading charitable organization, announced today that Cinda Baxter and Leslie Nathan-Street have joined its Board.

Baxter is president of the retail consulting firm Always Upward, and founder of the national association RetailSpeaks—both of which focus on the success of retailers and companies that support them. She is a knowledgeable voice in the retail sector and is frequently sought out by industry leaders for her expertise and leadership. Previously, she spent fourteen years as a highly respected retailer as owner of an upscale stationery boutique called Details Ink in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Nathan-Street serves as president of the Gift & Home Channel, the first Web/TV internet channel focused on helping independent retailers succeed by giving them a vibrant online community and bottom line boosting information, instruction and resources. Prior to joining the Gift & Home Channel, Nathan Street served as senior vice president and show director with George Little Management, where she managed a number of leading trade events including the New York International Gift Fair, San Francisco Gift Fair, and the Gift Fair in Atlanta, to name a few.

Baxter and Nathan-Street join the 24 person Board responsible for managing all aspects of Gift for Life. Volunteer representatives from manufacturing, sales, media, marketing, retail, and tradeshow management make up the Board.

Each year Gift for Life hosts regional events throughout the U.S. and a national fundraiser in New York City during the N.Y. International Gift Fair. Funds benefit DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.

The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to eradicate the AIDS pandemic in the U.S. UNAIDS, the joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS, reports a relatively steady number of new HIV infections each year in North America. Working together, Gift for Life and DIFFA will continue to raise funds for research and assistance programs.

“We welcome Cinda and Leslie to a dynamic group and an important cause,” said Tabitha Bowling, chair of the Gift for Life board. “Together they add fresh energy to the organization.”

Make plans now to attend Gift For Life’s STAKES ARE HIGH Casino, Benefitting DIFFA, to be held during the New York International Gift Fair, on Sunday, January 25, 2009 at La.venue in New York City. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.diffa.org/giftforlife or contact Julia Dexter at jdexter@diffa.org.

About Gift for Life
Gift for Life, the gift and home decor industry’s volunteer group raising funds for AIDS assistance and research, was founded in 1992. Since then, Gift for Life has raised nearly $4 million through special events, cause-related marketing, promotions, and from corporate and individual donations.