The American Friends of the Phelophepa Train (AFPT) to host the 2015 annual awards Benefit Gala in New York City on October 26, 2015, supported by African Fashion Fund, among others

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Friends of the Phelophepa Train (AFPT) will host their annual awards Benefit Gala at Guastavino's in New York on Monday, October 26, 2015. Therefore, it is with immense pride and joy that I am asking you to join me in supporting a unique cause that is close to my heart.

Some past "Desmond Tutu Phelophepa Achievement Award for Excellence" honorees include: His Eminence Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Dr. Franz Humer, Chairman, Roche Ltd; Reuben Mark former Chairman & CEO of Colgate and Deval Patrick, former Governor of Massachusetts to name but a few.

Past staunch support for this remarkable project has come from President Nelson Mandela; UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan; Mayor Michael Bloomberg and President Bill Clinton.

The two South African Phelophepa Trains travel throughout the country on a journey so worthwhile that the rural people call it the "Train of Hope". Its passengers are doctors, nurse's dentists, potations, pharmacists and counselors who deliver primary health care, empowerment and technology to those in need.

We have never before, been able to offer any surgical services to the patients, which has been a great concern and for which a dire need exists, but, the exciting news for this year's benefit dinner is that the money raised will contribute hugely to the addition of a third train, exclusively as a surgical facility, which will continue the vision and legacy of the present two trains. Yes! Phelophepa III is on its way! Imagine the excitement of people living in desolate impoverished communities when a new Surgical Train arrives to do cataract operations giving thousands of legally blind people a new day of light and sight.

It is in this spirit, as Archbishop Desmond so graciously states in his letter of invitation "In light of your phenomenal accomplishments professionally, your remarkable achievements in world affairs, as well as your valuable work in philanthropy" that I call on you for much needed support.

It will be a colorful evening filled with up-lifting entertainment performed by artists from the Broadway Musical "The Lion King", a Fashion Show featuring African prints and a Live Auction with exclusive Nelson Mandela Memorabilia. African Fashion Fund will decorate cocktail hour with beautiful models dressed in African inspired collections. "We are excited to support such a great cause and to address sustainable ways in bringing resources to promote Africa's development agenda" Roberta Annan, Founder of African Fashion Fund.

Honorees who will be recognized at the 2015 Gala are Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, a Nigerian businesswoman who has replaced Isabel Dos Santos as the richest woman in Africa and the richest woman of African descent in the world; Dr. Robert L. Johnson, Dean Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; Dr. Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women (also former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa); Andre Shearer, Chairman & CEO of Cape Classic Wines; Dr. Kate Hersov, Co-Founder and CEO of Medikidz, Monica Watkins Ford Model Philanthropist Artist, Jeffrey Wright American Film, Television and Stage Actor and Ndaba Mandela the grandson of icon Nelson Mandela who will round out these deserving honorees.

Media & General Contact:                                                   
Cathe Kruger
American Friends of the Phelophepa Train
917-306-4199
[email protected] 
https://www.trainofhope.org/2015-gala-dinner/

About African Fashion Fund:

African Fashion Fund (AFF) is a not-for-profit organization supports and develops emerging African and African diaspora fashion designers. Providing capacity building through internship placements, manufacturing and production assistance, grants and scholarships, AFF aims to further African fashion designers' success in the global fashion industry and luxury market. It is our mission to ensure that their operating standards and products are executed with the same expertise as those of international luxury brands.

www.africanfashionfund.org
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SOURCE African Fashion Fund

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