Midwest regional office of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF reaches three-year, $6.5-million goal at Message of Hope Gala
Event Nets more than $470,000 and surpasses goal for Accelerated Child Survival Initiative
CHICAGO (April 20, 2010) — April 17 was a historic night for the Midwest Regional Office of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, as its third annual Message of Hope gala successfully completed its three-year, $6.5-million goal for the Accelerated Child Survival (ACS) Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa. More than $470,000 was raised at the event through generous corporate and individual sponsors, ticket sales, raffles, live auctions, and a paddle raise, including a net of more than $450,000 for the ACS campaign.
"In light of difficult economic conditions over the past three years, the fact that we have reached our goal is a testament to the generosity of local philanthropists and corporations, and their commitment to helping UNICEF save lives around the world," said Casey Marsh, director of the Midwest Regional Office. "Though we reached our goal at this event, there is still more to do. An estimated 24,000 children die daily of preventable causes around the world, and we will continue to work on behalf of children until that number is zero."
The evening began with a cocktail reception where guests learned more about UNICEF's work. A ten feet by 12 feet "field tent" was set up in the space, allowing attendees to view and purchase (for donation) supplies and other items that are used to save and improve lives in the field, including bed nets, polio vaccines, a school-in-a-box kit and a motorcycle.
Guests then proceeded to the candle-lit Grand Ballroom, which was styled by prominent Chicago designer Tom Kehoe. The décor was inspired by organic elements of sub-Saharan Africa, including a prairie grass centerpieces, and moss arranged to spell "message of hope."
The Columbia College Gospel Choir kicked off the entertainment with a stirring performance. They were followed by remarks from Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, and Renee Van de Weerdt, chief of UNICEF's Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Section. Kids from School of Rock, the nation's premier rock music program, located in Chicago, brought the crowd to their feet with their performances of songs including, "The Climb" and "More Than Words." Finally, everyone was on the dance floor when the Little Big Men band rocked the house.
Before the night ended, organizers confirmed that proceeds from the event had exceeded the $400,000 needed to reach the campaign goal. A champagne toast for all attendees and extended round of applause marked the occasion.
"This event celebrated the giving spirit of those who support the work of UNICEF," said Chris Baldwin, managing director at Credit Suisse and sole chair for the event. "I'm honored to have been a part of such a successful evening for this incredible organization. The generosity of those who supported Message of Hope allows UNICEF to save lives around the world."
Raffle, live auction and funds contributed for UNICEF supply packages included:
Raffle
- Go West Getaway: A seven-night stay for two at the Sun Valley Resort, including first-class, round-trip airfare for two. Winner: Eric Ashworth
- Deluxe Staycation Package: Two-night luxurious suite accommodations for two, a bike tour of the city, two massages and dinner at two of the area’s finest restaurants. Winner: Greg Hicks
- Go Cubs Go: Cheer on your hometown favorites with four supreme box seats behind first base at Wrigley Field. Two parking passes included. Winner: Michael Locke
- Board Recommends: An assortment of the Midwest Regional Board of Director’s favorite fine wine and liquor. Winner: Mike Sheehan
Live auction
- Mediterranean Madness: Soak in some sun and taste the Mediterranean flavor with this trip to Milan and Greece. Winner: Jon and Karen Citow
- Exotic Escape: Explore two unique cultures with an exotic escape to Turkey and Egypt. Winner: Camille Julmy
- Sports Envy: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have premium seats at Chicago Bulls, Bears, White Sox, Cubs and Blackhawks games, and at the Indy 500. Winner: Marcus and Teresa George
Funds contributed for UNICEF supplies
- $5,000 provides more than 2,400 children under one year old with immunizations for six months in Madagascar. Eight were contributed.
- $2,500 provides 10 Community Health Workers Kits in Benin, which contain essential drugs against malaria, diarrhea and fever. Thirteen were contributed.
- $1,000 provides three health centers in Madagascar with the kerosene needed to transport and effectively use vaccines. Sixteen were contributed.
- $500 helps eradicate polio for 425 children and 100 pregnant women in Angola. Eighteen were contributed.
Event sponsors included Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Credit Suisse, Energy BBDO, Jefferies & Co., Christopher & Renee Baldwin, David & Lisa McQueary, Christine M.J. Oliver, President/CEO, Chicago Dwellings Association, Sanford C. Bernstein & Co, LLC, Paul and MaryAnn Harvey, Vince Hemmer, The Rise Group and Laura Myntti and Leif Selkregg, David and Julie Shorr, Joseph Silich, Vizioncore, Inc., Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, Weeden & Co, LP, Delta Air Lines Inc., Grey Goose Vodka and The InterContinental Hotel Chicago.
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.
UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress—the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 24,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Midwest office is one of five regional offices in the U.S. and serves fifteen states.
About UNICEF’s Accelerated Child Survival Initiative
UNICEF's Accelerated Child Survival Initiative (ACS) is one of the key ways that UNICEF is working to bring the number of children who die each day of preventable causes from 24,000 to zero. UNICEF's ACS aims to save and improve the lives of 3.2 million children in 25 sub-Saharan African countries by 2010 by providing low-cost, country-specific interventions while building and solidifying each country’s healthcare delivery system.
For More Information:
Colleen O’Donnell, Public Communications Inc., 312.558.1770, ext. 149, codonnell@pcipr.com
