NEW YORK – The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI), will salute the outstanding performance of Caribbean Olympians at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, at its annual fundraising gala, slated for January 29 in New York City.
Jamaica’s most successful female athlete and one of the world’s premier sprinters, Veronica Campbell-Brown, will accept a special award on behalf of the Caribbean Olympians. A five time-Olympic medallist, Campbell-Brown is the second woman in history to win back-to-back gold medals in the 200 meters event at the Olympics, achieving the feat in 2004 and 2008.
The 12th staging of the black tie gala is being held under the patronage of Harry Belafonte, folklorist and human rights activist. New York television personalities Brenda Blackmon of My9 TV, CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien, and WCBS news anchor Maurice Dubois, will serve as hosts.
The annual gala is the AFUWI’s premier fundraising event in the United States. Money raised goes towards scholarships and grants for needy students of the UWI. At the event, the prestigious Legacy Awards are conferred on notable persons, who represent high levels of achievement within their respective fields of industry and enterprise.
High achievers will be cited in four award categories: Caribbean Luminary, Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award, the AFUWI Special Award, and University of the West Indies Bob Marley Award, which will go to famed actor and United Nations Ambassador, Danny Glover.
Tickets for the benefit are available for purchase at the AFUWI in New York City by calling 212-759-9345. Corporate packages are also available.
A silent auction will also be held as part of the evening’s event and will feature items donated by local businesses and members of the public.
For information about making a contribution to the Foundation, please log on to http://www.afuwi.org
