The “A Possible Dream” Gala was hailed as the best yet; reaching a record goal of raising $325,000 for school feeding programs worldwide. Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was the spectacular host of the Gala and drew much praise from attendees. The evening began with a cocktail reception hour where guests were able to mix and mingle before the night gave way. Following cocktails, attendees were escorted into the ballroom where the program began with a warm welcome from Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) President Gene White; and Masters of Ceremonies, Susan Neely, President & CEO of the American Beverage Association and the Honorable Dan Glickman. Nearly 600 people were in attendance to honor Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) as he received the 2011 Gene White Lifetime Achievement Award for Child Nutrition.
The Gala brought together executives and advocates alike, from members of Congress, USAID and USDA to international non-profit organizations, industry, the School Nutrition Association (SNA) and other key agencies, for an evening dedicated to honoring champions of child nutrition. This memorable event is held annually and raises both awareness and funds for GCNF’s efforts to combat global child hunger through sustainable school feeding programs. GCNF is grateful to the many sponsors and donors who came together to raise considerably more funding than last year. The gifts total a $55,000 increase over last year, a nod to the strengthened commitment of ending child hunger even despite the difficult economy.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Gene White Lifetime Achievement Award for Child Nutrition to Senator Lugar, long-time champion of child nutrition causes. During his acceptance speech, Senator Lugar stated, “This really is a privilege to be with each one of you tonight, who I consider to be heroes, for providing nutrition for children.”
Dr. Rajiv Shah, USAID Administrator, praised Senator Lugar for his achievements and described him as “a tremendous example,” and added, “As I look around this room and see all of the people who have the ability to actually solve world hunger, I am inspired.” Dan Glickman noted, “If we look to the history of this country … and if you look at the great US Senators of the last 100 years or so, and I say this with all the humility I can muster, Dick Lugar is one of those exceptionally great members of the Senate who have served this country with distinction, with fairness, with civility, but with strong beliefs and strong opinions. I’m not saying there aren’t great people like him, there are, but he is exceptional.”
GCNF Delegate, Bibi Giyose, also gave a profoundly touching speech, recalling her childhood in Botswana, “I am a product of a school feeding program … having not had that opportunity, I would not be standing here today, just another statistic – having been forgotten – worse still – buried. But I must say, even as I stand here today, I shutter to imagine how many children in Africa wake up hungry, go to school hungry and go to bed famished.”
Two distinguished advocates for child nutrition were recognized by Nancy Rice, School Nutrition Association (SNA) President. Mary Kate Harrison, SNA 2010 Outstanding Director of the Year, was praised for her commitment to SNA and her dynamic school nutrition career in Tampa, Florida. Jill Conklin received the SNA 2010 Industry Member of the Year Award for her dedication to global child nutrition efforts and serving as an exemplary industry member who keeps the needs of school nutrition professionals and the children they serve in the forefront. Jill is Domestic Sales Manager for Winston Industries, one of GCNF’s sponsors.
Guests at the 2011 A Possible Dream Gala were entertained throughout the evening by the Taimoor Band, a lively trio lead by Taimoor Saeedi.
GCNF is grateful to the members of the 2011 Gala Committee for their dedication and success in breaking all records.
Jim Clough, Co-Chair
Susan Neely, Co-Chair
Katharine Emerson
Jean D. Harris, Ph.D.
Eileen T. Kennedy, D.Sc., R.D.
Colin Sheridan
Mary Vonck
Barbara S. Belmont
The Gala also received considerable media attention, the links are provided below.
http://lugar.senate.gov/news/record.cfm?id=331720&&
http://food-management.com/news_briefs/harrison_conklin_sna_awards0315/
http://weighing-success.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-is-global-child-nutrition-month.html
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