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WARWICK, R.I., Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Plan International USA and Alex and Ani are teaming up to celebrate the first annual International Day of the Girl. Adopted by the

United Nations last year, the International Day of the Girl is a day to recognize girls' rights and the unique challenges girls around the world face.  Girls in developing countries

face overwhelming odds from the moment they are born. They are more likely than boys to suffer from malnutrition; be subjected to violence; be forced into early marriage; be trafficked or

sold; or become infected with HIV. Often denied access to education and healthcare, girls languish behind their male counterparts. As the world prepares to mark International Day of the Girl

on October 11th, Plan is calling upon governments to prioritize girls as an essential factor in tackling global poverty. BECAUSE I AM A GIRL is Plan's global initiative that creates

sustainable projects in developing countries to give girls access to clean water, food, healthcare, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. The campaign, which will run

until 2016, also aims to help girls through advocating for legislation and policy changes. An integral partner in raising awareness about the plight of girls around the world, Alex and Ani

is the lead corporate sponsor of Plan International USA's International Day of the Girl celebration.  The celebration, to be held in the New York Public Library on October 10th, will

feature seven girl activists from Plan programs in Cameroon, El Salvador, Ghana, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sierra Leone.   "We are thrilled with our very successful partnership

with Alex and Ani. Celebrating International Day of the Girl together is a fitting way to mark the importance of this day," said Tessie San Martin, President & CEO of Plan

International USA.  "Like Plan, Alex and Ani believes in the transformative power of educating, protecting, and encouraging girls so they can reach their fullest potential."

Through Alex and Ani's Charity by Design initiative, an exclusive eco-friendly expandable wire bangle has been designed for BECAUSE I AM A GIRL.  A portion of each bangle's sales

goes to supporting Plan International. Made in America from recycled metals, the bangle is available in two finishes and accompanied with a meaning card with further explanation.   

"This effort is particularly special to us because our company was the unique creation of our owner, Designer Carolyn Rafaelian, an inspirational female entrepreneur," said Nicki

Castonguay-Maher, Vice President of Alex and Ani's Charity by Design. "Alex and Ani represents the strength of many women who contribute their talents on a daily basis. The Because

I am a Girl Bangle inspires those who wear it with empowerment, positivity and change." ABOUT ALEX AND ANI Alex and Ani, LLC. offers eco-friendly, positive energy products created by

Designer Carolyn Rafaelian, Owner and President. Alex and Ani is synonymous with Made in America.  Its World Headquarters are located in the Greater Providence, Rhode Island area, where its

products are designed, manufactured, and assembled using recycled local materials. Carolyn believes that every individual has a positive message to share with the world and that, by

incorporating powerful symbolism and design into each positive energy piece, Alex and Ani provides a vehicle for wearers to express their individuality. An Inc. 500 Company, Alex and Ani has

retail stores in addition to retail partners both domestically and internationally. Please visit www.alexandani.com for more information. ABOUT PLAN INTERNATIONAL USA Plan International USA

is part of a global organization that works side by side with communities in 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty for children and their families. Plan works at the community

level to develop customized solutions and ensure long-term sustainability. Our solutions are designed up-front to be owned by communities for generations to come and range from clean water

and healthcare programs to education projects and child protection initiatives. For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org. SOURCE Plan International USA