ESA honors Newell at Nite to Unite 2012
Gabe Newell is the ESA's Champion Honoree for this year's event
Valve Corporation founder Gabe Newell has been named the Entertainment Software Association's (ESA) Champion Honoree for 2012. Newell will be honored at the Entertainment Software Association Foundation (ESAF) Nite to Unite - For Kids. The black-tie event is in its fifteenth year and will take place at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco on October 18, 2012.
Newell joins past honorees including Blizzard president Mike Morhaime, former Microsoft president Robbie Bach, and Star Wars director George Lucas.
"Gabe is a visionary innovator for our industry, and his success has broadened the industry for gamers and game creators alike," said ESA president Mike Gallagher. "He has brought that same tenacity to working with schools and students, expanding access to digital learning while demonstrating that a commitment to positive social impact and leadership in business go hand-in-hand."
The Nite to Unite event is a charity event bringing together some of the industry's most successful members. All proceeds go to support ESAF activities, which include scholarships for women and minority students and the Art of Video Games exhibit. This year's Nite to Unite co-chairs are Capcom USA president Kazuhiko Abe, Disney co-president John Pleasants, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group president Kevin Tsujihara.
Tickets are $750 for individuals and table sponsorships are available. Registration information is available here.