New York, NY, October 16, 2023– MCW Global celebrated its 19th annual gala on October 16, 2023, at New York University’s Rosenthal Pavilion. The event brought together over 250 guests, including supporters, board members, and young leaders. It raised over $940,000 to support MCW Global’s vital programs in the United States, Africa, and worldwide.
The gala, hosted by Ali Velshi, Chief Correspondent at MSNBC, featured an evening of inspiration, reflection, and celebration. MCW Global seized this opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of its supporters, partners, and alumni while highlighting the organization’s incredible impact over nearly two decades.
Edward Bergman, Co-founder, and President of the MCW Board of Directors, delivered the opening remarks, acknowledging the enduring commitment of MCW’s friends and supporters, enabling the organization to thrive for over 24 years.
Further, Khalid Elachi, Executive Director of MCW, provided updates on the organization’s remarkable achievements, including the Young Leaders Access Program, which received a record-breaking 3,000 applications for just 30 slots, demonstrating the strong demand for MCW’s programs and its lasting impressions in communities.
For this, the present had the pleasure of hearing directly from beneficiaries of one of the critical programs, MCW’s Young Leaders Access Program.
Alumni Shrouk Hussien and Sharath Koona shared their experiences and the impact of MCW’s programs on their lives and enhanced their journeys.
The evening included the presentation of the following awards to individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact:
- The MCW Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sharon & Steve Kess, Founders of MCW’s Alumni Ventures Fund, by Stanley Bergman, Chairman & CEO of Henry Schein, Inc., and Dr. Marion Bergman, Director of Healthcare Projects (Volunteer) at MCW. This fund has granted over $90,000 to 40 diverse recipients since its inception in 2009.
- The MCW Community Partnership Award was presented to J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. The award was accepted by Glenn DiVincenzo, Managing Director, JPMorgan Private Bank; Vania Freund, Executive Director, JPMorgan Private Bank; and Stephen Zajac, Managing Director, JPMorgan Commercial Bank.
The annual gala featured other pleasant activities too.
Throughout the evening, guests engaged in a silent auction enjoyed a buffet, and participated in a 50/50 raffle while being serenaded by the captivating music of Yacouba Sissoko, a master Kora player.
MCW Global is committed to addressing pressing needs in communities worldwide, fostering leadership, and creating positive change. Over the past 24 years, the organization’s programs have made a significant impact in the areas of leadership, economic security, education, and health.
Bergman expressed his gratitude to the entire MCW community, including the dedicated board members, team, and volunteers, for their unwavering support and unique and collective contributions to MCW’s mission. He also recognized the role of partners and affiliates in Africa (MC-Rwanda, MC-Tanzania, and MC-Zambia) in providing transformative services at the local level.
MCW Global remains dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders, and its impact extends far and wide, reaching individuals and communities in need worldwide.
About MCW Global: MCW Global is a non-profit organization with a vision for communities worldwide to achieve greater levels of education, improved health, and increased economic security. Founded in 1999, MCW is based in New York with affiliate organizations in Africa (Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia). The organization empowers current and future leaders to address pressing community needs through various programs, including its Young Leaders Program, Africa Programs, and Oral Health Care Program.
For more information about MCW Global and its mission, please visit www.mcwglobal.org.
