The We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), a not-for-profit organization founded by legendary songwriter and producer, Nile Rodgers, will honor Humanitarian Award recipients Sting and Trudie Styler at its annual Celebration Gala, on Monday, October 29, 2012, at Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
Hosted by actress Rosie Perez and Touré, co-host of MSNBC’s “The Cycle,” the evening will include a concert featuring Sting, Nile Rodgers & CHIC and other special guests, to celebrate extraordinary global citizens who are dedicated to making the world a better place and who have helped WAFF make a positive impact on more than 15 million people worldwide.
Artist and activists Sting and Trudie Styler will receive the Humanitarian Award, which honors those in the public eye who have made tremendous efforts and inroads into improving the human condition throughout the world. Previous recipients of the Humanitarian Award include musical legends Jackson Browne, Peter Gabriel, Sir Elton John, and television and radio host Larry King.
Daniel Stern, founder of Reservoir Capital Group, will be honored with the Visionary Award for his local and global philanthropic contributions. Previous recipients of the Visionary Award include Tommy Hilfiger; Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO of Gibson Guitar and Susan and David Rockefeller Jr.
Jeni Stepanek, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation, will receive the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Peacemaker Award, named in honor of her late son, 13-year-old poet and peacemaker, Mattie J.T. Stepanek, for her significant contribution toward promoting a peaceful society. Previous recipients of this award include Dr. Maya Angelou, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Quincy Jones, Paul Simon and Archbishop Desmond and Leah Tutu.
“The We Are Family Foundation was born as a result of 9/11, after which I asked the question, ‘Can we organize for peace half as effectively as others do for hate?’” says Nile Rodgers, Founder & Chairman of the We Are Family Foundation. “My song, ‘We Are Family,’ was the inspiration to bring people together, celebrate our differences and share ideas across borders in order to solve some of the bigger problems facing our world. We are inspired by each of our honorees this year, as their dedication and passion to making the world a better place are their lifelong missions.”
The funds raised at this year’s Celebration Gala will support WAFF’s mission and existing programs including Three Dot Dash – WAFF’s signature program, which identifies, supports and mentors Global Teen Leaders actively working on programs that address basic human needs and promoting a more peaceful world; and TEDxTeen, a global educational platform for extraordinary teens to share their stories and inspire millions.
Tables of 10 for the 2012 Celebration Gala can be purchased in advance by contacting Michelle Posadas via phone at 212.397.4333 or email at contact@wearefamilyfoundation.org . To purchase individual tickets or to make a contribution to We Are Family Foundation, visit wearefamilyfoundation.org. Contributions are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law; the non-deductible portion of each ticket/person is $150. Arrivals and reception begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2012 followed by an awards ceremony, dinner and concert at 7:30 p.m. Manhattan Center’s Hammerstein Ballroom is located at 311 West 34th Street in New York City.
