Kelly Ripa named Halloween parade grand marshal

NEW YORK, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Kelly Ripa has been named grand marshal of the 40th anniversary edition of New York City's Village Halloween Parade, organizers announced Tuesday.

Ripa is the co-host of TV's "Live! with Kelly & Michael." She was chosen to lead the parade down Sixth Avenue Oct. 31 because of her efforts in raising funds and awareness for Superstorm Sandy relief since last year. Ripa will ride on a float honoring the men and women who helped the people of New York City during this devastating time, as well as the organ transplant team at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

"We have been taking our children to the Halloween Parade since they were born. This is a good vantage point because they are too big to sit on our shoulders! I am very proud to be a part of this event. The work to bring to Sandy Relief is never done," the mother of three children said in a statement.