Nobel Peace Prize Winner Elie Wiesel Receives MCW Lifetime Achievement Award

NEW YORK, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MCW (Miracle Corners of the World), an organization dedicated to empowering youth to become positive agents of change in their communities, celebrated its eighth annual gala dinner at New York University on April 3rd. MCW presented its highest honor, the 2012 MCW Lifetime Achievement Award, to Professor Elie Wiesel, 1986 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and the Founder & President of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity. 

The presentation of the award followed an update on MCW's genocide prevention education program by Rwandan genocide survivor Jacqueline Murekatete, an MCW fellow and founder of MCW Jacqueline's Human Rights Corner.  "Elie Wiesel was one of my early inspirations," she said. "Reading his book 'Night,' his own personal account about surviving the Holocaust, inspired me to begin sharing my own experiences."

Accepting the award to a standing ovation, Wiesel addressed the importance of MCW's genocide prevention efforts. "We must prevent genocide.  But will the world ever learn? The sad answer is no," he said. "What else can we do but believe in miracles. I believe in miracles, and I believe in the important work of Miracle Corners of the World."

The MCW gala brought together more than 400 guests from the non-profit, education and business communities in support of MCW's programs around the world, including in Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Zambia, and the United States.

In addition to Professor Wiesel, MCW honored UPS with the 2012 MCW Community Partnership Award for its achievements in addressing a diverse variety of pressing global issues including health care, hunger and literacy and in promoting volunteerism among its employees. "UPS is a company whose heart is truly in the communities in which we work," said Eduardo Martinez, President of The UPS Foundation. "We share MCW's vision, and the belief that one of the most effective ways to improve communities is to support the aspirations of young leaders." 

Obiageli Ezekwesili, Vice President for the Africa Region of the World Bank Group received the 2012 MCW Leadership Award for her outstanding contribution to socio-economic development across Africa. "Every effort that is put forth toward supporting hopes and dreams for youth is an effort well considered," she said. "This is why the work of MCW is so important... and this is why I am proud to be celebrating this wonderful organization tonight."

MCW's gala raised $800,000 in support of its work to promote Local Change through Global Exchange® through Youth Leadership, Community Development and Oral Healthcare initiatives, as well as Partner Programs, including MCW Jacqueline's Human Rights Corner. This is the highest amount of support raised by MCW at its annual gala to date.

"Our annual galas are always one of the highlights of the year," said Edward Bergman, MCW Co-Founder and President. "We are honored to celebrate the remarkable contributions to society made by Elie Weisel, UPS and Obiageli Ezekwesili, and we are deeply grateful for the generous support of our donors, partners, and volunteers in supporting our mission to have a positive impact on the lives of young people around the world."

For pictures of the event, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/miraclecorners/sets/72157629384042660/.

About MCW (Miracle Corners of the World)
MCW (Miracle Corners of the World) is a non-profit organization founded in 1999 with the vision of Local Change through Global Exchange®. Our mission is to empower youth to become positive agents of change in their communities. Based in New York with affiliates in Africa, MCW offers the following programs: Leadership Training, Community Centers and Oral Healthcare Improvement, as well as Partner Initiatives (MCW Jacqueline's Human Rights Corner and the Container Project). For more information visit www.mcwglobal.org.

SOURCE MCW (Miracle Corners of the World)