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Children in "bush" schools, South Sudan Photo: Concern Worldwide |
Sold-out Winter Ball a smashing party for the world’s poor
With tickets snapped up in just 48 hours, the annual event hosted by Concern Worldwide US raised more than $50,000 toward Concern's education programs overseas, making it the biggest fundraising bash of its kind to date.
The cream of New York’s young movers and shakers turned out in force on December 11 for cocktails, dinner and dancing in the glamorous 35th floor party room at the corporate HQ’s of Mutual of America in midtown Manhattan. Looking out at breathtaking views of the city, this year’s Winter Ball Chair John Murphy beamed at the festive energy of the crowd, saying “It’s hard not to feel upbeat being here!”
Following a tribute to Fr. Aengus Finucane, the late founder of Concern Worldwide US and a fixture of joy, laughter and deep commitment at Winter Balls past, Concern CEO Tom Arnold thanked the revelers for their support. “It is people like you who make this event the success it has become. You’re making a huge difference in the lives of countless children.” he said.
Attendees danced any holiday or recession blues away, matching their holiday spirit of joy with one of generosity, coming to the aid of some of the world’s most underprivileged children.
Funds raised at the ball are earmarked for the support of primary education of children in South Sudan, a region less in the spotlight than Darfur but equally beset by political and humanitarian crises. Concern’s work building seven new schools and improving 49 existing schools, as well as providing supplies and training to teachers, in South Sudan benefits almost 14,500 children.
Education, key to breaking the cycle of poverty, is a fundamental part of Concern’s work. In 2008, Concern education initiatives reached more than 800,000 people in 12 countries.
This beautiful, starry night in New York, however, changed the lives of numerous children in South Sudan, among them 16-year-old Maria Nijuur Baak who dreams of becoming a doctor. “I want to treat my people,” she says.
Thanks to the young, successful and humanitarian-minded party goers at the Winter Ball, she and other young children like her can make the step toward make their dreams a reality.
Be sure to stay in touch with us through the planned calendar of events for 2010 via our Twitter and Facebook accounts from our homepage at http://www.concernusa.org/