Patrons and friends of Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO) filled
the ballroom at Cipriani Wall Street last night as WWO celebrated a
decade of dedication to orphaned children around the world at its
Third Annual Benefit Gala. WWO raised more than $1.3 million,
according to Dr. Jane Aronson, founder, CEO and executive medical
director.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, WWO paid tribute to its
Orphan Ranger Program, a "peace corps" for orphans, through which
skilled volunteers travel around the world to help children who are
living in institutions. WWO´s Orphans Rangers have included medical
students, doctors, therapists, athletes, artists, musicians and actors
who have given their time and energy to provide life-saving and
life-altering services to forgotten children.
Dr. Aronson said, "Tonight we honor the core values of WWO -
service, partnership and respect -- by celebrating the scores of
Orphan Rangers who have donated a part of themselves to help transform
the lives of orphans."
Dr. Aronson delivered an electrifying address, inviting everyone
in the room to become a WWO Service Ranger - to travel to a country
where WWO works and spend time with the children. She guaranteed "the
trip of a life time" and a life-altering experience. When she
finished, the crowd exploded in applause, and the room buzzed with
talk of planning family trips as WWO Service Rangers and the
significant opportunity to combine travel with humanitarian service.
Gala Honorees and Entertainment
Gala honorees Liya Kebede and Silda Wall Spitzer were presented
with Honorary Orphan Ranger awards in recognition of their personal
crusades on behalf of children. Ms. Kebede is WHO Goodwill Ambassador
for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, and president, Liya Kebede
Foundation for Mothers and Children. Ms. Spitzer is founding chair of
Children for Children.
Gala Host was Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of the CBS
Evening News with Katie Couric. Special Guest was Mary-Louise Parker,
Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe award winning actor (The Robber Bride,
Angels in America, Reckless, Proof, Weeds). Entertainment Chair was
Kathleen Marshall, Tony-award winning director (The Pajama Game,
Wonderful Town). The Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, Samuel
Assefa, attended.
Entertainers included Christine Ebersole, Tony-award winning actor
(Grey Gardens, 42nd Street) and WWO´s First Honorary Orphan Ranger
(2005); Donna Murphy, Tony-award wining actor (The King and I and
Passion); and Laura Osnes, Max Crumm and the cast of Grease on
Broadway.
About Worldwide Orphans Foundation
The mission of Worldwide Orphans Foundation is to transform the
lives of orphaned children around the world by addressing their unique
needs through medical, developmental, psychosocial and educational
programs. WWO programs are designed to take children out of anonymity
and help them to become healthy, productive members of their
communities and the world. Founded in 1997 by renowned adoption
medicine specialist, Dr. Jane Aronson, WWO has established
humanitarian programs in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Ecuador,
Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam. Two
of its major programs are HIV/AIDS treatment programs for orphans in
Vietnam and Ethiopia. For more information, please visit www.wwo.org.