On Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, Whole Planet Foundation, Clamorhouse and other valued partners will honor Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde, co-founders of Alaffia, for alleviating poverty in Togo and around the globe.
The celebration will take place at Whole Planet Foundation’s biennial pre-GRAMMY benefit, which will be held at OHM Nightclub in Los Angeles.
Note: This event is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or licensed by The Recording Academy. The term “Pre-GRAMMY” is solely for the purpose of informing participants of the timing of the event.
GRAMMY-nominated artists Kris Kristofferson, La Santa Cecilia, and Rene Marie will perform at the benefit along with The Reluctant Apostles featuring Katey Sagal, Chris Assaad and Givers and Takers. Celebrity hosts include drummer/producer Vince Wilburn Jr. (Miles Davis Estate).
Alaffia, an organization based in Olympia, WA, empowers West African communities to become sustainable through the fair trade of indigenous resources and the sale of handcrafted body care products. Olowo-n’djo and Rose encourage empowerment through Alaffia’s community projects, women’s cooperatives, education, and involvement in their local communities. Since 2006, Alaffia has funded 4,463 births, planted 57,575 trees, donated 7,482 bicycles to Togolese students, built ten schools, and provided school supplies to 32,842 students. “The only things that are certain is that my life will be forever sacrificed for the empowerment of all disadvantaged people, and that even if Alaffia was to disappear today from the face of the earth, the support and the opportunities that each and every one of you have given us over the years has profoundly impacted my communities for generations to come,” said Olowo-n’djo Tchala, co-founder.
Alaffia is a top donor to Whole Planet Foundation’s global microfinance programs in 69 countries including Togo and the United States, “Given the first average developing world loan size of $184, Alaffia’s donation of $200,000 to the Foundation has created more than 5,775 opportunities for impoverished entrepreneurs and their family members to live a better life. We are proud to honor Alaffia for their trailblazing impact in Olowo-n’djo’s native Togo and abroad, and to be joined by this year’s generous event sponsors like truRoots to raise funds for global poverty alleviation,” said Joy Stoddard, executive development and outreach director of Whole Planet Foundation.
Proceeds from the evening will go directly to Whole Planet Foundation, a Whole Foods Market non-profit, to fund microcredit loans to provide the world’s poorest entrepreneurs with the opportunity to create home-based businesses for the chance to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. To date, Whole Planet Foundation has disbursed $61 million in microlending programs, funding 1.75 million microcredit loans for microentrepreneurs, 88%women, in 69 countries.
The invitation-only benefit will be held at OHM Nightclub in Los Angeles, in the heart of Hollywood and the Walk of Fame.
The event is supported by Presenting Sponsor truRoots and Community Leader Sambazon. Foundation Partners are BluePrint Organic, Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods, City National Bank, Saffron Road, SeaSnax, Lifeway Kefir, Lily’s Sweets, PopChips, prAna, and VOSS Water. Event Supporters include Coyo, Harmless Harvest, Health-Ade Kombucha, Justin’s, KeVita Sparkling Probiotic Drinks, NadaMoo, Playing for Change Foundation, Rishi Tea and Volvic. Event Contributors include Cabo Chips, Castor & Pollux, Doctor Kracker, Greyston Bakery, Heavenly Organics, KIND Bar, Madécasse Chocolate, MS Event Production, Navitas Naturals, Papyrus-Recycled Greetings, Planet LA Records, Purely Elizabeth, Putumayo, Rhythm Superfoods, Scarlette Bartending and The Seaweed Bath Co.
Find out more here.
