IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 26, 2012) - Team Kids, an Irvine-based nonprofit, announced details for its second Innovative Thinkers Forum (ITFII), which will take place on the evening of October 17, 2012 at Edwards Lifesciences' (NYSE: [ EW ]) corporate headquarters in Irvine. The success of last spring's inaugural event held at the Oakley World Headquarters set a new standard for charity events, combining a business networking opportunity with a rare glimpse into the minds and culture of some of Orange County's most distinctive leaders. 

At ITFII, the following innovative leaders will share ideas -- both radical and evolved -- about driving success through meaningful innovation:

• Kimberly Cripe, President and CEO of CHOC Children's
• Paul Merage, Chairman of MIG Capital, Founder, Chairman of Merage Institute, and Co-Founder of Chef America
• Mike Mussallem, Chairman and CEO of Edwards Lifesciences
• Henry Samueli, Co-Founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Technical Officer of Broadcom (NASDAQ: [ BRCM ])

Edwards Lifesciences has generously offered to underwrite expenses to ensure that 100 percent of proceeds directly support Team Kids' innovative school and community programs.

"We are passionate about both innovation and philanthropy, and are proud to host Team Kids Innovative Thinkers Forum II," said Mussallem. "This forum is an incredible demonstration of support by our community leaders of these two pillars and promises to inspire new strategies for success."

The inaugural ITF attracted more than 250 guests who ranged from corporate executives to MBA students, all of whom wanted to hear from the forum's esteemed panelists, which included Oakley CEO Colin Baden, Vizio CEO William Wang, Blizzard Co-Founder Frank Pearce, and Kaiser Permanente COO Margie Harrier.

The panelists captivated guests with their discussion about building iconic brands and thriving in a down economy, while engaging the audience with a more personal side of themselves as they elaborated on their past experiences, challenges, and visions for the future. There is no doubt that ITFII will deliver another awe-inspiring evening for all in attendance.

"At Team Kids we believe in setting the bar high, and then clearing it, in everything we do," said Team Kids Founder and CEO Julie Hudash. "Excellence is at the core of our programs, partnerships, and even our special events."

The IFTII event festivities include a private VIP reception with forum panelists, a business mixer, and the anticipated panel discussion. The business mixer brings together top-level executives, business professionals, and MBA students, to network among the top CEOs in Orange County. 

"Thanks to Edwards Lifesciences and Mr. Mussallem, we will host another rare opportunity to bring people together from all industries to be inspired by our most innovative leaders all while supporting the Team Kids mission of empowering the next generation of responsible entrepreneurs and philanthropists," said Hudash.

For more details about the Team Kids Innovative Thinkers Forum Series, please visit [ http://teamkids.org/ITF/index.html ], follow us on Twitter at [ www.twitter.com/teamkids ], or like us on Facebook at [ www.facebook.com/teamkids ].

About Team Kids

Team Kids works to strengthen innovative community collaborations that empower young people to become responsible, resilient citizens with a passion for service through its school-based and community-service programs. Since its founding, more than 50,000 kids have generated more than $400,000 in donated items and funds for local non-profit organizations. Innovative programs are taught alongside police officers, firefighters, and veterans in our schools and communities. Through participating in Team Kids' programs and volunteering in community events, kids develop values and skills that enable them to make positive choices in their own lives, while making a difference in the lives of others.