Disney Star Selena Gomez Named Spokesperson for 2008 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Campaign

Disney Star Selena Gomez Named Spokesperson for 2008 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Campaign

NEW YORK, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teen sensation and star of Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place," Selena Gomez, was recently named spokesperson for the 2008 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. This October will mark the 58th anniversary of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF -- encouraging American children to make Halloween count by helping other children around the world.

"I am extremely excited to be this year's Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson," said Gomez. "I want to help encourage other kids to make a difference in the world and show them that Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF is such a great, fun way to get involved."

Selena Gomez currently stars as Alex Russo on Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place." Previously, Selena made guest appearances on several TV shows, including "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and "Hannah Montana." She began acting in 2002 on the show "Barney & Friends" playing the role of Gianna. Selena is also featured in the new DVD release, "Another Cinderella Story" on Warner Home Video, with a planned debut on ABC Family by the end of the year.

"We are thrilled to have Selena be a part of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program this year," said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. "Young people can relate to Selena, and she is a great role model who we believe will greatly enhance the visibility of the program."

Raising over $140 million to date, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has been teaching children across the United Sates about the world beyond their backyards and the importance of social responsibility since 1950. In addition to the traditional fundraising methods of Trick-or-Treating for donations door-to-door with UNICEF orange collection boxes, this year the campaign will include digital initiatives, new technology-backed fundraising techniques and a college campus challenge. Collection boxes are available at several retail locations, which can be found at www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat. They can also be ordered online at the same web site or by phone at 1-800-4UNICEF.

About UNICEF

For more than 60 years, UNICEF has been the world's leading international children's organization, working in 150 countries to address the ongoing issues that affect why kids are dying. UNICEF provides lifesaving nutrition, clean water, education, protection and emergency response saving more young lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. While millions of children die every year of preventable causes like dehydration, upper respiratory infections and measles, UNICEF, with the support of partnering organizations and donors alike, has the global experience, resources and reach to give children the best hope of survival. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicefusa.org.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: U.S. Fund for UNICEF

CONTACT: Marci Greenberg of UNICEF, +1-212-922-2464,
mgreenberg@unicefusa.org

Web Site: http://www.unicefusa.org/
http://www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat

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Profile: International Entertainment