Save the Children, the leading organization investing in childhood, has announced that the 4th Annual Save the Children Illumination Gala will honor supermodel and activist Iman; gamer, philanthropist and activist Bachir Boumaaza aka “Athene;” writer and Red Nose Day co-founder Richard Curtis; and the organization’s philanthropic corporate partner Toys"R"Us.
The event will be hosted by Save the Children Artist Ambassador and Trustee Jennifer Garner, and will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, at The Plaza hotel in New York City.
Now in its fourth year, the Illumination Gala will benefit Save the Children’s efforts to give more children a stronger start in life by helping end preventable maternal, newborn and child deaths and by supporting early childhood education. In recognition of the occasion, Save the Children will celebrate each of the honorees for their achievements in giving children a brighter future:
• The Voice Award for Iman, Supermodel, Activist and Founder of IMAN Cosmetics, who is being recognized for her enduring commitment to sharing the stories of the world’s most deprived children. While serving as Save the Children Artist Ambassador, Iman was tireless in her efforts to raise awareness for the 2011 food crisis in East Africa. By participating in the Fast-athon, using her jewelry line to raise emergency funds and calling on the international community to take action, Iman has given a voice to children who would otherwise go unheard.
• The Next Generation Award for Bachir Boumaaza aka “Athene,” Gamer, Philanthropist and Activist, who is being recognized for inspiring young gamers to make a positive impact on the world. Athene has visited our programs in Southeast Asia and Africa to livestream from the field while generating media coverage, brand awareness and millions of dollars to support Save the Children programs. His GamingforGood volunteer team, platform and network have connected thousands of gamers and streamers to the organization’s work, and transformed the approach to reaching the next generation of donors and fundraisers.
• The Advocate Award for Richard Curtis, Writer, Campaigner, and Red Nose Day Co-Founder, who is being recognized for pioneering the use of entertainment to drive positive change. As co-founder of Comic Relief, Curtis has devoted the last 30 years to achieving the vision of a just world, free from poverty. Through Red Nose Day and Sport Relief, he has helped direct billions of dollars and priceless public attention toward tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice – demonstrating his ability to make people laugh while also empowering them to take action.
• The Visionary Award for Toys"R"Us, being accepted David Brandon, Chairman and CEO. The company is being recognized for its commitment to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need in the United States and around the world. Through the Play with Purpose campaign, Toys"R"Us leveraged its brand to spotlight early learning through play as a critical component of childhood development. Since 2005, Toys"R"Us has contributed more than $9 million to Save the Children’s emergency response and early childhood education programs, demonstrating the company’s commitment to children every day and in times of crisis.
“We are thrilled to recognize such a diverse group of honorees who have done outstanding work with and on behalf of children around the world. We look forward to highlighting their important work and to celebrating their achievements. They have all committed their time and lent their voices to giving children a brighter future,” said Carolyn Miles, Save the Children president & CEO.
Other notable guests expected to attend include Lisa Plepler, Chairman of ArtsConnection, Richard Plepler, CEO of HBO, who will serve as honorary chairs of the 4th Annual Save the Children Illumination Gala, as well as fashion designer and philanthropist Gabriela Hearst, and Mary Dillon, Save the Children Trustee and CEO of ULTA Beauty, who will serve as co-chairs of the event. Michiel Huisman, actor and Save the Children Celebrity Cabinet member, is also scheduled to attend.
The gala will be presented by Johnson & Johnson. For more information, please visit www.savethechildren.org/gala.
