Striving for an end to malaria deaths in Africa the organization, Malaria No More, honored several key supporters of their initiatives during an entertaining 5th anniversary celebration at the IAC Building in New York City, on November 6th, 2011.
The evening was brought together with the help of Innovative Philanthropy and began with a private VIP meet and greet, followed by an awards presentation/ceremony, concluding with a music, hors d'oeuvre and photograph filled reception. It was a joyful, heartwarming, celebration.
The evening began with a VIP meet and greet including former First Lady, Laura W. Bush:
Peter Chernin (right), CEO of the entertainment/media brand, The Chernin Group:
Former NFL linebacker, Dhani Jones, served as the evening's emcee...
Some light serenading from American Idol standout (2006), recording artist, Katharine McPhee:
Another great vocal performance followed in recording artist, Jason Castro , also an American Idol standout (2008):
The ceremony proceeded with the awards and honors, beginning with a few opening remarks from the CEO of Malaria No More (2011), David Bowen:
Creator of American Idol, Simon Fuller was recognized and honored as the hit show's "Idol Gives Back" Campaign included work for/with Malaria No More:
A corporate partnership award was given to ExxonMobil for their generous donations to Malaria No More:
The former First Lady, was also honored for the donation of her time, attention, and for being an outspoken public advocate:
A performance by Grammy Award-winning Beninoise singer-songwriter, Angelique Kidjo:
A final musical performance from members of the Tanzania House of Talent:
Lastly, closing remarks by Peter Chernin and The UN Sectary-General's Special Envoy for Malaria, Raymond Chambers (left):
As previously mentioned, all guests enjoyed a final reception in the IAC's lobby.
In attendance, actor, David Arquette:
Former NBA star, and native of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Dikembe Mutumbo:
Tanzanian beauty queen and fashion model, Flaviana Matata (left):
It's definitely not been, nor am I looking for it to be "my thing" but I had the opportunity to do a few step and repeat shots to end the evening.
Simon Fuller with members of the Tanzania House of Talent:
Raymond Chambers and Laura W. Bush:
From the left, Jenna Hager, Dikembe Mutumbo, Laura W. Bush, and Barbara Pierce Bush:
From left: Emcee Dhani Jones, Henry Chase Hager, Jenna Bush Hager, Dikembe Mutumbo, Laura W. Bush, Barbara Pierce Bush:
A fun candid of the Malaria No More staff:
I'll end with this one. Everyone was thinking it, but Dhani Jones was the only one bold enough make a joke about it/do this:
Dikembe Mutumbo is huge.