The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has sent word that Ken Kutaragi, who is now honorary chairman, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) and senior technology advisor, Sony Corporation following his official retirement in June, will be the 2008 Champion Honoree at the "Nite to Unite for Kids" (NTU) event.

Kutaragi, who spearheaded the creation of Sony Computer Entertainment and the PlayStation business, is being honored for his contributions to the industry.

"Ken's contributions to our community and the entertainment lives of ordinary consumers are extraordinary," said Michael D. Gallagher, president of the ESA. "His insight and vision revolutionized in-home entertainment, enabling advancements in creativity, technology, and innovation."

Kutaragi joins past Champion award recipients including George Lucas, GameStop's Dan DeMatteo, Electronic Arts' Bing Gordon, Toys 'R Us' Michael Goldstein, Nintendo's Howard Lincoln, Sega's Isao Ogawa; and Electronic Boutique's Jeffery Griffiths.

NTU is a fundraising event for children's charities across America. To date, the event has raised over $7.8 million since its inception in 1999. NTU's co-chairs this year are: Robbie Bach, president, Entertainment & Devices Division, Microsoft; Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer, Nintendo of America; and, Jack Tretton, president and chief executive officer, Sony Computer Entertainment America.

NTU will be hosted by the ESA Foundation, and this year's event will also offer a black-tie optional dinner and a live and silent auction on Wednesday, October 17, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.

For those interested, individual tickets are $500 each and table sponsorships are also available. For more information, the ESA is directing companies to contact Leslie Price, Price Lampert Associates, at 1-800-949-3660, or at price.leslie@gmail.com.