Christie Brinkley to Receive HBA's Positively Beautiful Award

NEW YORK, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Iconic supermodel, entrepreneur and philanthropist Christie Brinkley, will receive the 2nd Annual HBA "Positively Beautiful" Award from HBA Global Expo for her active support of Smile Train and its mission.  Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org) provides free cleft surgery for millions of poor children in developing countries and free cleft-related training for doctors and medical professionals.  

The Positively Beautiful Award was established by HBA Global to annually recognize a celebrity who uses their name and talents to further a cause that champions inner beauty and self-esteem building.   The Award Presentation will be part of the events Keynote and Kick-off Presentation on Tuesday, September 28th starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Special Events Hall.  HBA Global Expo & Conference (www.hbaexpo.com) is the largest product development event for the cosmetic, fragrance, skin care, personal care, and well-being industries.  

"Christie Brinkley has one of the most recognizable smiles in the world, and she knows the importance a new smile will make in these children lives who are born with clefts lip and palate.  Her awareness building for Smile Train is helping millions of deserving children find their 'inner beauty' and giving them a second chance at life," said Jill Birkett, brand director, Beauty & Wellness, of HBA Global Expo.  "We are extremely proud to present Ms. Brinkley with this year's 'Positively Beautiful' award and recognize the beauty of her commitment to the empowerment of disadvantaged children."

Combining her modeling experience with her artistic talents and diverse interests including jewelry design, photography, writing, acting, and environmental activism, Christie's legendary career over the years has been fascinating and dynamic.  One of the world's most successful and recognizable models, Christie has appeared on over 500 magazine covers worldwide and was the first model to appear on the Sports Illustrated iconic swimsuit issue for three consecutive years.  She has held contracts or appeared in ads for many HBA attendees including Chanel No 19, Max Factor, Noxzema, Revlon, Borghese Cosmetics and Nu Skin.  Her major contract with CoverGirl is the longest running cosmetics contract of any model in history.  Most recently, Christie introduced a line of organic fabrics and appeared on QVC introducing The Christie Brinkley Jewelry Collection for Ross Simons and continues to be a spokesperson for Total Gym.

Ms. Brinkley is involved in many other worldwide and local New York charitable endeavors and is on the board of directors for STAR (Standing for Truth about Radiation) and helped make nuclear security a top national priority program.  The most important role in her career, as a mother of three, has also been inspiring and garnered her numerous "Mother of the Year" honors.  

Prior to the Positively Beautiful Award presentation to Ms. Brinkley, Pamela Baxter, President and CEO, of LVMH Perfumes & Cosmetics North America will deliver a keynote address to kick-off HBA Global Expo & Conference and is open to all attendees of the event.  To register for HBA Global Expo or for more information go to www.hbaexpo.com.

About HBA Global Expo & Conference

HBA Global Expo & Conference (www.hbaexpo.com) is the leading product development for the entire beauty community including skin care, cosmetics, fragrance, personal care and well-being industries.   For three days the top brand manufacturers from mass to prestige, as well as independent and niche beauty companies will gather to learn about industry trends and discover new products from the world's leading suppliers.  The HBA educational conference is renowned for providing an unparalleled look at both the marketing and technical drivers in the health and beauty space and provides proven strategies for business growth.  Co-located with HBA will be The Spa & Resort/Medical Aesthetics Expo showcasing the convergence of the traditional and medical segments of the spa and resort industry.

More information on HBA Global Expo & Conference, taking place September 28-30, 2010 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center and to connect on Facebook, Linked In and Twitter go to www.hbaexpo.com.

About Smile Train

SMILE TRAIN'S mission is focused on solving a single problem: cleft lip and palate.  Clefts are a major problem in developing countries where there are millions of children who are suffering with unrepaired clefts.  Most cannot eat or speak properly.  Aren't allowed to attend school or hold a job.   And face very difficult lives filled with shame and isolation, pain and heartache.  The good news is every single child with a cleft can be helped with surgery that costs as little as $250 and takes as little as 45 minutes.  Smile Train has performed over 620,000 of these surgeries in 78 countries around the world.

SOURCE HBA Global