Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth is an Emmy and Tony Award winning musical theatre, film and television actress as well as author. Ms. Chenoweth is known for effortlessly transitioning between stage, television and film with the captivating grace that only she can project.
Some of her best-known roles have included her Tony Award winning role as Sally Brown in Broadway's "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," her role as Glinda in Broadway's "Wicked" and her role as Annabeth Schott in television's "The West Wing." She was a cast member on the ABC comedy-drama "Pushing Daisies;" her portrayal of Olive Snook on that show was recognized with a 2009 Primetime Emmy Award. Kristin has also written an uplifting, candid, comedic chronicle of her life so far, “A Little Bit Wicked," which was released by Simon & Schuster in April 2009 and debuted at #12 on the New York Times Hardcover Non Fiction Best Seller List.
This spring Kristin will return to Broadway as Fran Kubelik in the revival of “Promises, Promises,” starring alongside Sean Hayes at the Broadway Theater. She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University where she earned a bachelor's degree in musical theater and a master's degree in opera performance.
Kristin’s dedication to bettering the lives of others through laughter and entertainment as well as community involvement is inspirational.
Kathie Lee Gifford
Kathie Lee Gifford has enjoyed a diverse and successful four-decade career as a television host, actress, singer, playwright, songwriter and author. Best known for her 15 years on "Regis and Kathie Lee" (11 Emmy nominations), and currently acting as co-host on the fourth hour of "Today" with Hoda Kotb, Gifford has always pursued projects which inspire and challenge her. Gifford made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim's "Putting it Together" in 2000, originated the role of Marta Dunhill in Rupert Holmes' "Thumbs" and played Miss Hannigan in “Annie” at Madison Square Garden. In 2005, her first musical "Under The Bridge" (book and lyrics) opened off Broadway. In April of 2007, "Saving Aimee" (book/lyrics) opened in Washington, D.C., at the Signature Theatre.
Last April, Random House released her NY Times best-selling book “Just When I Thought I’d Dropped My Last Egg: Life and Other Calamities.” In April of 2010 she will release a children’s book called “Party Animals” with Running Press Publishers.
Away from the spotlight, Gifford has lobbied for the eradication of inhumane working conditions of garment workers throughout the world. She has been appointed by the White House to the Apparel Industry Partnership White House Task Force and has received an honorary doctorate from Marymount University for her humanitarian works.
Gifford devotes much of her time to the Association to Benefit Children, which spawned the Cody Foundation. The resources from the Association continue to support Cody House and Cassidy's Place.
Mrs. Gifford lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children and two dogs.
Heather Thomson
As an established fashion innovator, branding expert and philanthropic inspiration, Heather Thomson has quickly become one of fashion’s leading female entrepreneurs. Heather revolutionized the shapewear industry with the launch of the patented ready-to-wear shapewear brand Yummie Tummie and continues to take the fashion world by storm with groundbreaking innovations and design. As a fashion designer and celebrity stylist for almost 20 years, Heather continues to be an influential force in the fashion industry with an unparalleled understanding of her consumers’ needs.
Beginning her career in intimate apparel, Heather went on to serve as the founding Design Director for P. Diddy Combs' Sean John label. She is credited with helping the label earn three CFDA nominations and recognition as one of the most successful men’s apparel launches ever. She has also worked side by side with Jennifer Lopez as Vice President of Creative Design for the Sweetface brand. Most recently, Heather served as Co-Creative Director of House of Deréon, Deréon and the Miss Tina labels, partnering with Beyonce and Tina Knowles in the conceptual design and launches of each label.
Heather now comes full circle, combining her fashion design expertise and celebrity styling insights to create Yummie Tummie. The world of shapewear was revolutionized with the launch of her brand in 2008. Heather created the first Yummie Tummie out of personal need and within six months on the market, it became and continues to be the go-to solution for celebrities and their stylists, who rely on it to look smoother and sleeker in everyday wear.
