CARE's 60th Anniversary Celebration
Power. Progress. Possibilities.

Washington, D.C.
May 17, 2006

The ambassador of Argentina, Mrs. Bordón, Mrs. Jawad and the ambassador of Afghanistan. (© 2006 CARE)

In friendly spirits and exchanging warm welcomes, guests arrived at the Organization of American States to enjoy dessert and dancing as part of CARE's 60th Anniversary Celebration. With ambassadors, members of Congress, administration officials, corporate sponsors, CARE donors and other guests in attendance, the evening proved a historic endeavor, as CARE raised more money and engaged more participants than any previous year.

Prior to the celebration at the OAS, a record number of embassies from all over the globe seated over 600 individuals for Embassy Dinners earlier in the evening. The dinners — the vast majority of which were held at the homes of ambassadors around Washington — were intimate affairs, limited to 20 or fewer attendees. Over 35 embassies participated in the Anniversary Celebration, representing countries as varied as China, France, Japan, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. A number of countries in which CARE works also generously hosted dinners, including Afghanistan, Ecuador, Indonesia and Thailand. Over a dozen ambassadors followed their guests to the OAS to continue the evening. Once at the OAS, guests exchanged stories of their experiences, remarking on the graciousness of the ambassadors, the lively and engaging dinner conversations and the delectable cuisine presented at each dinner.

Celebration co-chairs: Diane Nelson, Debbie Dingell, Lynne Pace, and Shirley Robinson Hall with CARE CEO Helene Gayle. (© 2006 CARE)

As guests went up the grand staircase leading to the Hall of the Americas, a string quartet composed of youth fellows with the Kennedy Center's National Symphony Orchestra played selected pieces from their repertoire. Greeting the guests at the top of the staircase were the Celebration co-chairs — Franki Roberts, Diane Nelson, Debbie Dingell, Lynne Pace and Shirley Robinson Hall — all of whom brought a shared energy and enthusiasm to this milestone year. Joining the co-chairs in welcoming guests were Vicki Tiahrt, president of the Congressional Club, CARE's Anniversary Celebration National Partner, and Dr. Helene Gayle, CARE's president and CEO, who took the helm in April 2006.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Gayle expressed her gratitude to all of those participating in the evening, notably Ambassador and Mrs. Sen of India, international chairs of the Anniversary Celebration; the aforementioned co-chairs and National Partner; CARE's Committee of Sixty, a group of leaders committed to supporting CARE's work through the Anniversary Celebration; and the 33 corporate sponsors whose Anniversary Celebration gifts enabled CARE to raise a record $900,000 in unrestricted funds for CARE's programming around the world. Specifically, Dr. Gayle highlighted the gifts from the Global Partners, each of whom gave $100,000 to the Anniversary Celebration: Cargill, Nortel and ICICI Bank.

John and Lois Breaux, Celebration Co-Chair Franki Roberts and Sen. Pat Roberts. (© 2006 CARE)

Following Dr. Gayle's remarks, guests were treated to CARE's short film I Am Powerful, a moving reflection of the organization's focus on empowering women around the world as a means of improving their lives and the lives of their families and communities. In addition to the short film, guests perused selected works from the "Stirring the Fire" photography exhibit by Phil Borges, which documents CARE's work with women around the world. With the film's conclusion, the sounds of the Radio King Orchestra swing band filled the room, and dancing commenced.

Among those appreciative of the generosity of the ambassadors earlier in the evening — and the subsequent enchanting ambiance, delightful music, and delicious desserts at the OAS — were a multitude of CARE supporters, including Sens. Pat Roberts, George Voinovich and Ben Nelson (celebrating his birthday!); Reps. Brian Baird, Todd Tiahrt, Loretta Sanchez and Doris Matsui; Ms. Sheila C. Johnson, president of the Washington Mystics; Committee of Sixty members, including the Honorable and Mrs. William Bennett, the Honorable Esther Coopersmith, the Honorable and Mrs. John Breaux, the Honorable Cynthia Schneider and Dr. Thomas Schneider and Mr. and Mrs. Steven Epstein.

Shelley Spears (Nortel), Hazel and Chuck Saffell (Nortel), Ambassador Sen and Mrs. Sen. (© 2006 CARE)

As CARE commemorates 60 years of work around the world and across the decades, we are mindful that the challenges inherent in addressing poverty continue to exist. CARE is working to fight poverty through a variety of programs, helping millions recover from natural disasters and other acute emergencies, prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, build assets through micro-enterprise initiatives and gain access to healthcare, education, safe water and improved sanitation. This vital work would not be possible without the support of people like you. CARE is grateful for the support of the hundreds of individuals and corporations who made our 60th Anniversary Celebration a historic success.

Congressional Participants

Participating Embassies

Corporate Sponsors

Global Partners

Chairman Circle

Leadership Circle

Benefactors

Patrons