2013 Spirit of Helen Keller Gala
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Honoring Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton,
HKI Trustee Kate Ganz, and Lions Club International
NEW YORK, May 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helen Keller International (HKI), one of the oldest and most effective international NGOs devoted to preventing blindness and reducing malnutrition in the world, is pleased to announce that The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton has been named the recipient of the 2013 Helen Keller Humanitarian Award. The Former Secretary of State will be present to accept the award at The Spirit of Helen Keller Gala on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Christie's Auction House in New York City.
Secretary Clinton was chosen in recognition of her tireless dedication to the global fight against undernutrition and improving food and nutrition security around the world. "Improving nutrition for mothers and children is one of the most cost-effective and impactful tools we have for poverty alleviation and sustainable development," said Clinton in her address for the 1000 Days movement launch event in 2012.
"Secretary Clinton has been an outstanding and committed champion for decades in the drive to ensure children and adults no longer suffer the debilitating effects of poor nutrition," said Kathy Spahn, HKI's President and CEO. "Malnutrition is one of the world's most pervasive problems, directly impacting decreases in GDP, workforce productivity, and, of course, life expectancy. We are deeply honored and delighted to be able to celebrate the enduring mark Secretary Clinton has made in improving food and nutrition security, enhancing the health of tens of millions of women and children around the world. With the support of Secretary Clinton and others, we are building sustainable solutions that will lead us to a stronger, healthier world."
Inspired by the spirit and determination of its founder, The Spirit of Helen Keller Gala is a much anticipated annual celebration honoring the generous support of those who have joined with HKI in furthering its sight and lifesaving mission.
This year's event will also honor longtime trustee and devoted HKI advocate Kate Ganz, who will accept the Spirit of Helen Keller Award. Generous longtime HKI supporter Lions Clubs International will accept the Helen Keller Visionary Award. Barry J. Palmer, First Vice President of the International Associations of Lions Clubs, will accept the award on behalf of the organization. Christopher Burge, Honorary Chair of Christie's, will serve as our Gala Honorary Chair.
Founded in 1915, Helen Keller International's mission is to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. HKI combats the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition. Visit www.hki.org for more information.
WHAT 2013 Spirit of Helen Keller Gala honoring:
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Helen Keller Humanitarian Award recipient
Kate Ganz, Spirit of Helen Keller Award recipient; HKI Board of Trustees
Barry J. Palmer, First Vice President of the International Associations of Lions Clubs;
Helen Keller Visionary Award recipient
D. Brooks Betts and Karen & Henry Barkhorn, Gala Co-Chairs;
(Henry Barkhorn, Chair, HKI Board of Trustees)
Christopher Burge, Honorary Chair of Christie's, Gala Honorary Chair
WHEN Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Cocktail Reception – 6 PM
Dinner, Awards and Live Auction – 7:30 PM
WHERE Christie's, 20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
TICKETS For more information about the 2013 Spirit of Helen Keller Gala, please contact Lauren Chiarello
at lchiarello@hki.org or 646-472-0338, or visit www.donate.hki.org