2015 Ubuntu Fund NYC Gala 1 Million to One- Changing the Odds, NYC
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| Photo: Mark Von Holden |
When: Thursday, June 11, 2015 @ 6:30PM
Hot Spot: Gotham Hall, NYC
Deets: On Thursday, June 11th Ubuntu Education Fund, a premier nonprofit organization in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, hosted its annual gala - 1 Million to One: Changing the Odds. The prestigious charity event brought Ubuntu’s cradle to career model to center stage, celebrating the impact of the organization’s innovative health and educational initiatives. The gala featured performances by Gedeon Luke and the People and was headlined by Shorty Trombone & Orleans Avenue.
The event which celebrated Ubuntu's history of changing the odds for the thousands of children and families impacted by their work in the townships of Port Elizabeth raised over $1 million. Proceeds from the evening will go towards funding Ubuntu’s prevention from mother to child HIV program, early childhood development, mentorship, and job training programs.
Jacob Lief, Founder and CEO"It’s not enough to shift the way we think. We want to revolutionize the sector. We imagine a marketplace where true effectiveness is measured in impact, where innovation is celebrated, where risks are taken to find breakthrough solutions to complex problems, where results are shared transparently, and where financial and managerial excellence is demanded. At the end of the day, we want people to invest in disadvantaged communities, whether South Africa or the South Bronx, in the same way that they would invest in their own family and afford them the same dignity."
Nozibele Qamngana, client turned Ubuntu Manager“Tonight, I ask you not to look at me or my community and see just problems and miracles, heroes or pity stories. The challenges my community faces are serious and extremely complex and if we simplify the solution, we simplify the person. In supporting Ubuntu you are supporting an organization that does not claim to have one BIG, SIMPLE solution to the plight of children in the townships of South Africa. Our answer is as complex as every child; as I am, as you are, and your children are.”
Lebogang Gobodo (Ubuntu scholar)“I’m in the 11th grade and Ubuntu’s after school program. My mind set has changed. I no longer have to worry about my mom’s health. Should my focus be in performing arts or in medicine? More questions that come with being a teenager. Either way, I see the future bright and beaming with so many opportunities for me. As I dedicated more time in studying, I know I will be the first in my family to graduate from University.”
Bill Voge, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins“Ubuntu’s work is truly life-transforming. From humble beginnings, it’s amazing to see what can be achieved with big ambition and bold vision. Ubuntu is an incredible organization that has brought hope and opportunity to so many children in Port Elizabeth, improving their lives to spectacular effect. I’m proud to support its mission and goals.”
The event which celebrated Ubuntu's history of changing the odds for the thousands of children and families impacted by their work in the townships of Port Elizabeth raised over $1 million. Proceeds from the evening will go towards funding Ubuntu’s prevention from mother to child HIV program, early childhood development, mentorship, and job training programs.
Jacob Lief, Founder and CEO"It’s not enough to shift the way we think. We want to revolutionize the sector. We imagine a marketplace where true effectiveness is measured in impact, where innovation is celebrated, where risks are taken to find breakthrough solutions to complex problems, where results are shared transparently, and where financial and managerial excellence is demanded. At the end of the day, we want people to invest in disadvantaged communities, whether South Africa or the South Bronx, in the same way that they would invest in their own family and afford them the same dignity."
Nozibele Qamngana, client turned Ubuntu Manager“Tonight, I ask you not to look at me or my community and see just problems and miracles, heroes or pity stories. The challenges my community faces are serious and extremely complex and if we simplify the solution, we simplify the person. In supporting Ubuntu you are supporting an organization that does not claim to have one BIG, SIMPLE solution to the plight of children in the townships of South Africa. Our answer is as complex as every child; as I am, as you are, and your children are.”
Lebogang Gobodo (Ubuntu scholar)“I’m in the 11th grade and Ubuntu’s after school program. My mind set has changed. I no longer have to worry about my mom’s health. Should my focus be in performing arts or in medicine? More questions that come with being a teenager. Either way, I see the future bright and beaming with so many opportunities for me. As I dedicated more time in studying, I know I will be the first in my family to graduate from University.”
Bill Voge, Chair and Managing Partner of Latham & Watkins“Ubuntu’s work is truly life-transforming. From humble beginnings, it’s amazing to see what can be achieved with big ambition and bold vision. Ubuntu is an incredible organization that has brought hope and opportunity to so many children in Port Elizabeth, improving their lives to spectacular effect. I’m proud to support its mission and goals.”
Spotted: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Donna Karan, Karyn Parsons, Alex Rockwell, Billy Bush, Mark Seliger, Seamus Mullen
Hint For The Average Socialite: Purchase your tickets and/or table.
Get Involved: There are many ways to support Ubuntu’s life-saving work in Port Elizabeth. To get involved in U.ME.WE, our three-year fundraising campaign, please explore the different options:
- Visit their Crowdrise page and Just Giving page and put your passion, talent and networks to work for Ubuntu.
- Donate because every child deserves an education and access to quality healthcare--to learn, play, and grow.
- Join the Ubuntu Club. Bringing students together to support their peers across the world in Port Elizabeth's townships.
- Join U.ME.WE to continue transforming the lives of 2,000 children and their families
What's Trending: @ubuntufund #ChangingtheOdds
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