LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The GEANCO Foundation is holding its annual Hollywood fundraiser on Friday, October 21, at Spectra in the Pacific Design Center to secure additional support for vulnerable women and children in Nigeria. Acclaimed Oscar-nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game, Sherlock, Marvel's upcoming Doctor Strange) will receive GEANCO's Global Promise Award at the event for his tireless charitable and humanitarian endeavors.

"Benedict's supreme acting talent is matched only by his deep compassion for those struggling in the forgotten corners of the world," said Afam Onyema, GEANCO Co-Founder and COO. "We are delighted to celebrate all he has done and continues to do for vulnerable women and children. He is a cherished member of our GEANCO Foundation family."

Last year's Global Promise honorees, Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, Doctor Strange) and David Oyelowo (Queen of Katwe, Selma), will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs this year, along with longtime GEANCO supporter and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon. The Host Committee includes Marcellus Wiley (Host of ESPN television show SportsNation and radio show Marcellus & Kelvin), Mark Johnson (Oscar- and Emmy‑winning Producer of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul and Rain Man), Sam Neswick (COO of Participant Media), actresses Yvonne Orji (HBO's Insecure) and Megalyn Echikunwoke (Showtime's White Famous) and Billy Ray (Oscar-nominated writer of Captain Phillips and The Hunger Games). Sponsors include Walt Disney Studios, Participant Media, Chris Aire and United Airlines.

Along with funding GEANCO's medical programs, event proceeds will support Brightland Academy, a school for the underprivileged founded by Chiwetel Ejiofor's family in Nigeria. Donations will also underwrite the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls, which provides comprehensive support for young female victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Three scholarships were awarded for the 2016-2017 school year. Additional scholarships will be awarded in subsequent years.

VIP and General Admission tickets are available for purchase on the event website. VIP ticket holders receive exclusive access to a special reception from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m., where they will enjoy an open bar and delicious appetizers while mingling with celebrities and other notables from the entertainment industry. General admission entry begins at 7:30 p.m. The program kicks off at 8:15 p.m. with the Global Promise Award presentation, special videos and remarks.

For more information on The GEANCO Foundation, visit Geanco.org, and connect with GEANCO on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About The GEANCO Foundation

The GEANCO Foundation, an LA-based nonprofit organization, is dedicated to supporting the health and educational needs of vulnerable women and children in Nigeria through surgical missions, medical and educational supply donations, and through a special Clinton Global Initiative anemia screening program.  The Foundation also provides scholarships to young female victims of terrorism in Nigeria.

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SOURCE The GEANCO Foundation

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