2017 Bishop John T. Walker Dinner

Africare’s Bishop John T. Walker Dinner was held on October 12, 2017, at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. It was an elegant night shared by our board, partners, donors, supporters, old and new friends, including,  U.S. Congressman Ed Royce and U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass.

 Our guests were welcomed by Mr. John W. Franklin, who serves as the cultural historian and Senior Manager in the Office of External Affairs at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Stephen D. Cashin, Africare Board Chairman and Robert L. Mallett, President and CEO, and Guy Lambert, WPGC News Producer was the Master of Ceremonies.

Africare only honored two awardees this year to allow our guests enough time to enjoy and discover all of the wonderful exhibits at the museum.

Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award to Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D.,  who has helped inform the world of Africa’s premier status in the world’s art communities, demonstrating its centuries-old role in influencing art and artists in Europe, the Americas, and regions of the Pacific Ocean.  Through her leadership at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art and two of America’s jewels in higher education Dr. Cole has touched the lives of generations of people, especially women and girls inspired by her unique example of a strong, positive, and purposeful life.  Dr. Cole has inspired thousands if not millions of students, artists, art enthusiasts, connoisseurs, and ordinary people of every kind to see not only with our eyes but also with our hearts.  She has shown us that when we look at the world in this way, there is beauty everywhere; and the way you live your life—your very essence and being—epitomize all that is possible and good in this world.

Young Philanthropist Award to Lauren Flynn, Olivia Overington, and Dorothy Goodwin, three young women from Westford, Massachuttes and the co-founders of the non-profit Peace, Love and Cupcakes. The PLC trio started raising funds for local charities in their community by baking and selling cupcakes in grade school.  The then three high school seniors and now, first-year college students determined to make a significant impact decided to go international with their fundraising efforts with a focus on water and sanitation.  They set a goal for themselves to raise $15,000 to help fund a clean water project, they exceeded their target and set a new goal of $25,000 – and reached it in no time at all.  Their donation combined with funds from African Well fund will finance a project in southern Senegal to include two borehole wells and the rehab of four wells at village Health Huts (centers where expectant mother receive access to care during delivery).

2017 Major Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Chevron

human energy

GOLD SPONSORS

ExxonMobil

Pan African

Merck

SILVER SPONSORS

Microsoft

Pfizer

 

BRONZE SPONSORS

Kupanda

Covington

 

Peter Francis

Lauretta Bruno

Past Honorees and Attendees

Past Major Financial Supporters

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