Winter Ball

For Children in Sierra Leone, a Chance for an Education, Thanks to New York’s Young Professionals

On Friday, December 9th, more than 150 young professionals kicked off the holiday season at Concern Worldwide US’ 11th Annual Concern Winter Ball in the Mutual of America Ballroom. The event, which supported Concern’s education programs in Sierra Leone, made a profound impact in the lives of more than 8,500 children living in extreme poverty.

“Education is a vital force in eradicating poverty,” said Dominic MacSorley, Operations Director of Concern Worldwide US. “Concern is committed to ensuring that the poorest of the poor in Sierra Leone, particularly girls, have access to safe, equitable, quality education. 

In a country where poverty is endemic and more than 84 percent of the population lives on less than $1 a day, the standard and quality of education in Sierra Leone is extremely poor. Schools are overcrowded, with no furniture, school materials or toilets. Most of the teachers are either unqualified or untrained. The harsh truth is that thousands of children endure this daily reality in Tonkolili district, one of the poorest regions in Sierra Leone, where Concern works. Currently, Concern is the only NGO supporting education in this area.

Event Co-Chair, John Murphy opened the proceedings with a sincere thanks to those who worked so hard to make it a sell-out event. “Children are the future and the future depends on them,” he said. “So it’s up to us to invest in them and make sure they get the chance to go to school.” 

Co-Chair Shane Naughton followed Murphy with comments about his recent trip to Haiti with Concern and the extreme poverty he saw there. Having seen Concern’s work firsthand, he guaranteed supporters that their money is being put to good use.

The Acapella group, Empire, and DJ Rollman provided the entertainment, while the after-party continued at Session House.

Many thanks to our Supporters and raffle sponsors which include: Amity Hall, Angel Feet Reflexology, Avery J Fashion Consultants, Bua, Wilfie & Nell, Sweet Afton, The Wren, Diageo, Dior, Edun, Glass House Tavern, GMT Tavern, Harbour Lights Restaurant, Irish Arts Center, Irish Repertory Theatre, Jet Blue, Jumeirah Essex House Hotel, Kinsale Tavern, Mole Restaurant Bar & Grill, Redken, Rickshaw Dumpling, Session House, Sweet Afton, The Dubliner and Urban Athletics. 

The Concern Worldwide US team would like to give a special thanks to our Chairman, Tom Moran, for his support of the Winter Ball and his outstanding commitment to education. We are hugely grateful to everyone for attending and supporting the event and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2012.