Waterford to Recognize International Rescue Committee, with "Award of Fortitude" for the Organization's Outstanding Work
This year, Waterford and Times Square New Year's Eve invite revelers to share in the "Gift of Fortitude," the second gift in the 10-year "Greatest Gifts" series that will decorate the Waterford Times Square New Year's Eve Ball for the next decade. Each annual edition of the series will depict a universally treasured value within us all. In the spirit of this year's gift, Waterford is honored to present the International Rescue Committee (IRC), an official partner of Times Square New Year's Eve 2014, with an "Award of Fortitude," to honor their courageous efforts to restore hope, dignity and opportunity all over the globe.
"Fortitude embodies the inner attributes of resolve, courage and strength and allows us to triumph over adversity. The IRC is a global leader in humanitarian assistance and works tirelessly to help improve tragic situations around the world. This is why we feel honored to present them with the 'Award of Fortitude,'" said Waterford Vice President of Global Marketing, Regan Iglesia.
IRC voice and supermodel Nykhor Paul, IRC resettled refugee Sonam Lama and President and CEO of the IRC, David Miliband, accepted the Award of Fortitude on behalf of the International Rescue Committee at today's annual Installation press conference.
"The IRC is an organization that represents a beacon of hope for thousands of people across the world. We are honored to accept this award on behalf of all our colleagues and partners who work so hard to help people whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future," said IRC President and CEO, David Miliband.
For 15 years, Waterford crystal triangles have adorned the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball. Each year, Waterford designers introduce a new signature cut crystal pattern to become part of the current series of crystal sentiments. Premiering last year in 2014 and continuing through 2023, the "Greatest Gifts" collection marks the longest series to-date. The 2,688 crystal panels that decorate the Waterford Ball were designed in Waterford, Ireland. This year, 288 of the 2,688 crystal panels will be changed to the 2015 "Gift of Fortitude" design.
The new Waterford Ball design is accompanied by the 2015 Waterford Times Square Holiday Collection, which features a series of intricate wedge cuts depicting columns symbolizing the strength of fortitude in a crystal ball ornament, disk ornament, flute pairs, clear vase, red cased bowl, blown glass masterpiece and replica balls, and snow globe.
For more information, visit http://timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/about-the-new-years-eve-ball/index.aspx
About WWRD
WWRD, the leading provider of luxury home and lifestyle products worldwide, manufactures, distributes and sells well-recognized brands, including Waterford, Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Royal Albert, Minton, Johnson Brothers and Franciscan. WWRD maintains unique licensing arrangements with some of the most high-profile innovators in the home and lifestyle market, including Vera Wang, Jasper Conran, Monique Lhuillier, John Rocha and Gordon Ramsay. WWRD products are distributed through premium department stores and independent retailers and wholesalers around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Australia and Ireland. The company employs more than 3,000 people worldwide.
About Times Square New Year's Eve
The Times Square Alliance and Countdown Entertainment are the organizers of Times Square New Year's Eve. The Times Square Alliance works to improve and promote Times Square so that it retains the energy, edge and distinctiveness that have made it an icon of entertainment, culture and urban life. Countdown Entertainment represents the owners of One Times Square and the New Year's Eve Ball.
About the International Rescue Committee
A global leader in humanitarian assistance, the International Rescue Committee works in 40 countries offering help and hope to refugees and others impacted by violent conflict and disaster. During crises, IRC teams provide health care, shelter, clean water, sanitation, learning programs for children and special aid for women. As emergencies subside, the IRC stays to revive livelihoods and help shattered communities recover and rebuild. Every year, the IRC also helps resettle thousands of refugees admitted into the United States, in 22 cities across the country. A tireless advocate for the most vulnerable, the IRC is committed to restoring hope, dignity and opportunity. For more information about the IRC's work visit www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on twitter, @theIRC @IRCpress.
Contacts:
For Waterford
Media:
Liz Lyons, 646-935-4244
Elizabeth.Lyons@Ketchum.com
or
Michelle Richards, 646-351-9843
Michelle.Richards@wwrd.com
