CARE's 61st Anniversary Celebration

A Powerful NOISE
The impact of one voice.  The power of many.

Embassy Dinners
Ambassador Residences throughout Washington, DC
Wednesday, May 16, 2007

followed by

The Diplomatic Celebration
Residence of the Her Excellency, Ambassador Carolina Barco of Colombia
Thursday, May 17, 2007

On a gorgeous spring evening, Ambassador Carolina Barco, International Chair of CARE’s 61st Anniversary Celebration, opened her beautiful Dupont Circle home to CARE’s crowning event, the Diplomatic Celebration. This invitation-only reception served to recognize not only the Diplomatic Corps and the international relationships that make CARE’s work around the world possible, but also to honor the importance of corporate philanthropy and social responsibility in the fight against global poverty.

The significance of the evening was not lost on the 150 guests congregated in the grand ballroom. CARE’s scope of work – to fight poverty by ending the marginalization of women worldwide – had been articulated throughout the Anniversary Celebration season. The message that CARE works with women in 66 countries around the world to improve their lives, and consequently the lives of their families and their communities, had been reiterated to our steadfast supporters. To bring this message full circle, the evening featured a special presentation of CARE’s International Humanitarian Awards to two extraordinary women and one leading corporation, given in recognition of their commitment to empower the most vulnerable worldwide.

In advance of the program, a dynamic group gathered for a photograph in celebration of CARE’s anniversary. Senator Hillary Clinton, CARE Ambassador and entrepreneur Sheila C. Johnson, Oscar-winning actress Mary Steenburgen, Colombian Ambassador Carolina Barco, UPS Foundation President Lisa Hamilton, Co-Chair and Champions Committee Chair Annie Totah, and CARE President and CEO Dr. Helene Gayle came together for a photo. The resulting image is a remarkable one of women committed wholly to empowering fellow women worldwide. It represents the notion of empowerment – and of hopeful possibility – to its fullest extent.

The presence of these incomparable women in the Anniversary Celebration was notable, and their words conveyed the sincerity of their actions. Ambassador Barco opened the evening with a gracious welcome, as she thanked everyone for attending, and expressed her gratitude for CARE’s continued work in her home country of Colombia. Following Ambassador Barco, Dr. Gayle remarked upon her first year at CARE, her extensive travels to view CARE’s work, and her knowledge that CARE is making a great difference in the lives of millions around the world. She was incredibly appreciative of the support from the Washington community, particularly from individuals, who contributed to the Anniversary Celebration in record numbers.

Dr. Gayle followed her opening remarks by presenting CARE’s International Humanitarian Award to Lisa Hamilton of UPS, Mary Steenburgen, and Sheila C. Johnson.

Ms. Hamilton, in accepting the award on behalf of the Anniversary Celebration Global Partner, noted UPS’s 14-year relationship with CARE, primarily through UPS’ full backing of CARE’s Emergency Shipping Fund. With appreciation of the recognition, Ms. Hamilton reiterated UPS’s commitment to CARE and its work around the world.

Ms. Steenburgen, in accepting the award for Global Vision, fondly shared a personal story, expressing her view that CARE’s efforts to fight poverty, particularly through the empowerment of women, ultimately create a rippling effect that results in waves of change throughout the world.

As Ms. Johnson accepted the award for Global Change, she spoke movingly, displaying her unwavering commitment to CARE’s mission. She told the audience that she and CARE were embarking upon “something big,” with a potential to realize monumental shifts in the commitment of women in the United States to empower fellow women worldwide. The results of these efforts, in her expectation, would be extraordinary.

With remarks that conveyed her staunch support of CARE, Senator Clinton expressed her appreciation for the commitment of the honorees to fight poverty and empower women. Praising all of the honorees, Senator Clinton had especially touching words for her longtime friend Ms. Steenburgen.

At the conclusion of the program, Grupo Latino Continental played lively tunes for the remainder of the evening, and guests made their way to the dance floor. Among the guests enjoying the evening in support of CARE were Ambassador Heng-Chee Chan of Singapore, and The Honorable Mark Dybul, US Global AIDS Coordinator, as well as Anniversary Celebration Committee members, including Steven and Deborah Epstein, Dr. George Bitar and Rima Bitar, Frank and Susan Mars, The Honorable Cynthia Schneider and Dr. Thomas Schneider, Reza and Fariba Jahanbani, Rafat and Shaista Mahmood, Gerald and Sheila Katz, Dr. Dennis Papadopoulos and Susan Papadopoulos, and The Honorable Victor Palmer and Carol Palmer.

Prior to the celebration at the Colombian Ambassador’s residence, over 300 guests attended Embassy Dinners at the homes of 22 Ambassadors on May 16th. The dinners were intimate affairs, mostly limited to 20 or fewer attendees. A number of new Ambassadors hosted this year, representing nations as varied as Germany, Kenya, Philippines, and Russia. Longtime diplomatic friends also hosted, including France, India, the Netherlands and Peru. Guests remarked on the graciousness of the Ambassadors, the lively and engaging conversation, and the delectable cuisine presented at each dinner. (see attached Diplomatic and Corporate list)

As CARE commemorates six decades of work around the world, we are convinced of the critical nature and the value of the work we do. Women and girls make up 70% of the world’s poorest people. CARE is working with women, men and children in 66 countries to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, build assets through microenterprise initiatives and gain access to healthcare, education, safe water and improved sanitation. This work would not be possible without the support of our loyal friends and corporate partners. CARE is grateful for the support of the hundreds of individuals who made the 61st Anniversary Celebration a rousing success.

SPECIAL NOTE: As Honorary Chair of last year’s event, First Lady Laura Bush had been invited to attend the Anniversary Celebration, but regrettably could not due to a state visit. Nevertheless, she sent warm wishes and high praise for CARE’s work.

Congressional Participants

The 61st Anniversary Celebration was a fantastic success thanks to the generosity of the following embassies and corporate sponsors:

2007 Embassy Participants

2007 Corporate Sponsors

Global Partner

Chairman Circle

Leadership Circle

Benefactors

Patrons