So the World May Hear Awards Gala

The mid-afternoon VIP Champagne Reception and Silent Auction hosted an impressive turnout, buy by 5 p.m. on Saturday, nearly 1,500 philanthropists were present at this year’s Gala to walk the red carpet. Each entrance was filled with the transformative power of the guests, presenters, performers and honorees, and together, we raised a record $7.6 million, topping last year’s $7.2 million. Through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, and both live and silent auctions, we’ll fund the Foundation’s future global hearing missions and national programs and change lives.

Celebrity and VIP supporters were on-hand, including President Bill Clinton, sports stars Tony Hawk and Sammy Sosa, World Poker champions Michelle Lau and Jerry Yang, astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Scott Carpenter and an impressive list of actors.

Performers included Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers, Bill Ray Cyrus, Michael Johns, Glenn Frey, Jackie Evancho, Wintley Phipps and K’NAAN.

Honorees Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, who runs St. Monica’s School in Uganda, actress Maria Bello, who was recognized for her work with WE ADVANCE in Haiti, and philanthropists John Johnson and Glen and Mindy Stearns accepted their awards with powerful words and grace.

Presenters were no less inspiring, with Bill Austin’s stirring words about how many of those we help are simply asking for a chance to be part of tomorrow, alongside President Clinton’s deeply moving stories.

Footage from hearing missions, including El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, and a film shot in Uganda, emphasized the vital need for social justice in the world and the purpose of the evening. 

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