Annual Benefit Nets $1 Million for Global Hunger Programs
Action Against Hunger raises $1.2 million at their annual benefit gala in NYC
New York, NY —
The international humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger raised $1.2 million at its annual benefit in New York on November 7th at Capitale. The event features the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award presented each year to an individual who has made a notable contribution to the humanitarian field. This year’s award went to acclaimed screenwriter, director, and Academy Award-nominee Terry George in recognition of his substantial humanitarian commitments.
Senior External Relations Officer, ACF-USA
Contact James Phelan
Direct: 212-967-7800 x108
Cell: 646-265-7796
November 27, 2007
New York, NY —
The international humanitarian organization Action Against Hunger raised $1.2 million at its annual benefit in New York on November 7th at Capitale. The event features the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award presented each year to an individual who has made a notable contribution to the humanitarian field. This year’s award went to acclaimed screenwriter, director, and Academy Award-nominee Terry George in recognition of his substantial humanitarian commitments.
Honorary Gala Chair Christy Turlington Burns presented Mr. George with this year’s award, noting the impact of Hotel Rwanda and calling attention to the International Fund for Rwanda he founded. Mr. George was also recognized for his long-time support of Action Against Hunger’s work and his ongoing efforts to promote the agency’s on-the-ground solutions to global hunger.
Sotheby’s Vice-Chair Jamie Niven helped raise over $600,000 from the evening’s auction lots, including the first ever “Special Delegation Trip to the Field”—a field visit to Action Against Hunger’s life-saving programs in Uganda—and a surprise “walk on” role in Terry George’s next film. Two unexpected challenge grants totaling $264,000 brought the evening’s auction total to $682,000.
A second award—the annual “Employee of the Year Award”—was presented to Action Against Hunger staff member James Brown Bekhat of Uganda for his longstanding commitment to the agency’s lifesaving field programs. Working in some of the most volatile parts of Africa for the past 15 years, Mr. Brown’s contribution to humanitarian action has been one of professionalism and resolve, enduring substantial risks while serving communities in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Sudan.
The evening’s proceeds provide much-needed support to the millions of individuals who benefit from Action Against Hunger’s life-saving programs each year. Action Against Hunger, an international relief and development organization committed to saving the lives of malnourished children and families, provides sustainable access to safe water and long-term solutions to hunger.
View online Gala 2007 photo gallery!
Background on the Humanitarian Award
Previous recipients of the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award include Nobel Laureates President Nelson Mandela (’04) and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (’05), as well as Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon (’06) and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Frank McCourt (’02).
About Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger / Action Contre la Faim (ACF), an international relief and development organization committed to saving the lives of malnourished children and families, provides sustainable access to safe water and long-term solutions to hunger. For nearly three decades, ACF has pursued its vision of a world without hunger by combating hunger in emergency situations of conflict, natural disaster, and chronic food insecurity.Press Contact
Action Against Hunger - USA
James L. PhelanSenior External Relations Officer, ACF-USA
Contact James Phelan
Direct: 212-967-7800 x108
Cell: 646-265-7796














