PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Former Secretaries of Veterans Affairs to be Honored at Paralyzed Veterans’ 2011 Americana Gala

Paralyzed Veterans of America Celebrates 65^th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being released by the Paralyzed Veterans of America:

WHO: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Gala host

Former Secretaries and Administrators of the Department of Veterans Affairs who will be honored with the Champions of Veterans Award for their leadership in improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities will include:
The Hon. James Peake,
The Hon. Hershel Gober,
The Hon. Edward Derwinski,
The Hon. James Nicholson,
The Hon. Anthony Principi,
The Hon. Harry Walters, and
The Hon. Gordon H. Mansfield

Corporate leaders in the following categories will also be honored:
The Achievable Award – Allergan, for innovation in pharmaceutical, prosthetic and/or medical device technology which improve quality of life for veterans with disabilities.
The Unstoppable Award – Highmark, for leadership and support of Paralyzed Veterans' Sports & Recreation programs for veterans with disabilities.
The Accessible Award – Sears, for providing innovation in creating accessible living environments for veterans with disabilities.
The Employable Award – Defense Commissary Agency (DeCa), for leadership in providing employment opportunities for veterans with disabilities.

Master of Ceremonies for the event will be Jonathan Karl, Senior Political Correspondent, ABC News.

WHAT:  Paralyzed Veterans' Americana Gala is an inspirational annual fundraising event celebrating individuals, corporations and public sector friends who have supported Paralyzed Veterans of America. This year, Paralyzed Veterans of America celebrates 65 years of changing lives and building futures for America's veterans with disabilities.

Proceeds from the Gala will benefit Paralyzed Veterans of America and its Mission: ABLE campaign which helps our nation's heroes fully live the lives they deserve and receive what they need most: Care, Benefits and Jobs.

Our nation is home to 25 million brave veterans and 54 million people with disabilities—with 12,000 new spinal cord injuries reported annually.

For more information about the gala or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.pva.org/gala.

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America