The GEANCO Foundation is hosting its annual Impact Africa Hollywood fundraiser on Monday, September 21, at Sunset Gower Studios, to raise awareness and increase support for vulnerable women and children in Nigeria.
The Impact Africa event will honor two of Hollywood’s most-acclaimed performers, Oscar-nominated actor Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave) and Emmy-nominated actor David Oyelowo (Selma) with GEANCO’s Global Promise Award in recognition of their commitment to providing better educational opportunities for young children in Nigeria.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Brightland Academy in southeast Nigeria and the Girls’ Government Science School in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Specifically, donations will pay for computers and educational supplies for teachers and students, including books, paper, pencils and notebooks, clothing and a wide variety of medicine for the schools’ in-house clinics. Donations will also underwrite medical care and mental health support for young girls brutalized by the terrorist group Boko Haram.
“We are thrilled to honor two men who have given back in such a profound way to our shared homeland of Nigeria and who are such exemplary ambassadors of The GEANCO Foundation,” said Afam Onyema, GEANCO’s Co-Founder and COO. “Thanks to the generosity of the Los Angeles community and the support of our celebrity honorees and co-hosts, we will have the funds necessary to reach many more vulnerable communities in Nigeria and impact thousands of lives for the better.”
In addition to honoring Chiwetel Ejiofor and David Oyelowo, the Gala will be co-hosted by Marcellus Wiley (Host of ESPN television show SportsNation and ESPN radio show Max & Marcellus), Mark Johnson (Oscar- and Emmy-winning Producer of Breaking Bad and Rain Main), Warren Moon (NFL Hall of Fame quarterback) and Billy Ray (Oscar-nominated writer of Captain Phillips and The Hunger Games; Director of The Secret in Their Eyes).
VIP tickets ($300) and General Admission tickets ($150) are available for purchase on Eventbrite. Guests who purchase VIP tickets will receive an authentic hand-crafted African table mat and will be allowed early access to the Impact Africa Gala reception, where from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., they can enjoy a hosted bar and delicious African cuisine while mingling with celebrities and other VIP talent in attendance. General admission doors open at 7:00 p.m. The program will kick off with remarks and the Global Promise Award presentation promptly at 8:15 p.m.
For more information on The GEANCO Foundation, visit Geanco.org.
