Health & Humanitarian Aid Foundation Hosts Annual Gala To Support Humanitarian Work In Ghana

NEW YORK, May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, the Health and Humanitarian Aid Foundation (HHAF) hosted the 2013 Preston Robert Tisch Awards Gala aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. HHAF's annual Gala is the biggest fundraising event of the year, with over 500 attendees that support the organization's mission of providing medical and humanitarian aid to those who suffer from famine, poverty and disaster in Ghana.

The event, which was hosted by Bruce Beck, sports anchor at WNBC-TV, featured live and silent auctions as well as appearances by former and current NFL stars, including Antonio Pierce, Steve Weatherford, Prince Amukamara, Corey Webster, Aaron Ross and Howard Cross.

In addition to fundraising, HHAF honored its first female honoree, Sanya Richards-Ross, and toy industry icon, Neil Friedman, for their efforts in supporting charitable organizations. Both Richard-Ross and Friedman pride themselves in their philanthropic work and devote themselves to worthy causes, like HHAF.

"We just opened our first school in Ghana, so it's the perfect time to celebrate all that our team has accomplished," said Sammy Arthur, HHAF chairman. "The Gala gives HHAF the opportunity to acknowledge those who have helped us make strides in our mission to improve the lives of those living in poverty in Ghana. We've traveled great distances to provide necessities to the less fortunate, and we love sharing the inspiring stories with attendees who generously support our organization."

Known for her record-setting Olympic gold win in 2012, Richards-Ross is tied as one of the most decorated female track and field athletes in Olympic history. She created The Sanya Richards Fast Track Program, a program that seeks to enhance literacy and students' readiness for standardized test skills.

Neil Friedman has more than 40 years of experience in the toy industry, most recently as the president of Toys"R"Us, and has worked tirelessly to help local and international organizations that share his passion for improving the lives of the underprivileged, especially children, in addition to HHAF.

The Health and Humanitarian Aid Foundation was founded in 2009 and has since then provided thousands of meals to hungry children, hundreds of surgeries to those in need and shelter to those without homes. The organization's staff of highly specialized doctors, nurses and humanitarian workers enables HHAF to offer medical, education and nutritional programs that help enhance the quality of life in Ghana. For more information on HHAF and the Gala, please visit www.hhafonline.org.

About the Health and Humanitarian Aid Foundation
Founded in 2009, the Health and Humanitarian Aid Foundation (HHAF) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing a better quality of life for those living in poverty in Ghana. With a team packed full of specialized doctors, nurses, and humanitarian workers, they are able to provide medical, surgical, nutritional and educational programs to the underprivileged that have been affected by famine and disaster. Their mission of improving the lives of those less fortunate will help to make a difference around the world. For more information, please visit www.hhafonline.org.

SOURCE Health and Humanitarian Aid Foundation (HHAF)