Worldwide Orphans Foundation Raises Over $1.3 Million 10^th Anniversary Celebration Pays Tribute to Orphan Rangers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Patrons and friends of Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO) filled the ballroom at Cipriani Wall Street last night as WWO celebrated a decade of dedication to orphaned children around the world at its Third Annual Benefit Gala. WWO raised more than $1.3 million, according to Dr. Jane Aronson, founder, CEO and executive medical director.

In celebration of its 10^th anniversary, WWO paid tribute to its Orphan Ranger Program, a “peace corps” for orphans, through which skilled volunteers travel around the world to help children who are living in institutions. WWO’s Orphans Rangers have included medical students, doctors, therapists, athletes, artists, musicians and actors who have given their time and energy to provide life-saving and life-altering services to forgotten children.

Dr. Aronson said, “Tonight we honor the core values of WWO – service, partnership and respect -- by celebrating the scores of Orphan Rangers who have donated a part of themselves to help transform the lives of orphans.”

Dr. Aronson delivered an electrifying address, inviting everyone in the room to become a WWO Service Ranger – to travel to a country where WWO works and spend time with the children. She guaranteed “the trip of a life time” and a life-altering experience. When she finished, the crowd exploded in applause, and the room buzzed with talk of planning family trips as WWO Service Rangers and the significant opportunity to combine travel with humanitarian service.

Gala Honorees and Entertainment

Gala honorees Liya Kebede and Silda Wall Spitzer were presented with Honorary Orphan Ranger awards in recognition of their personal crusades on behalf of children. Ms. Kebede is WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, and president, Liya Kebede Foundation for Mothers and Children. Ms. Spitzer is founding chair of Children for Children.

Gala Host was Katie Couric, anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. Special Guest was Mary-Louise Parker, Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe award winning actor (The Robber Bride, Angels in America, Reckless, Proof, Weeds). Entertainment Chair was Kathleen Marshall, Tony-award winning director (The Pajama Game, Wonderful Town). The Ethiopian Ambassador to the United States, Samuel Assefa, attended.

Entertainers included Christine Ebersole, Tony-award winning actor (Grey Gardens, 42^nd Street) and WWO’s First Honorary Orphan Ranger (2005); Donna Murphy, Tony-award wining actor (The King and I and Passion); and Laura Osnes, Max Crumm and the cast of Grease on Broadway.

About Worldwide Orphans Foundation

The mission of Worldwide Orphans Foundation is to transform the lives of orphaned children around the world by addressing their unique needs through medical, developmental, psychosocial and educational programs. WWO programs are designed to take children out of anonymity and help them to become healthy, productive members of their communities and the world. Founded in 1997 by renowned adoption medicine specialist, Dr. Jane Aronson, WWO has established humanitarian programs in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Ecuador, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam. Two of its major programs are HIV/AIDS treatment programs for orphans in Vietnam and Ethiopia. For more information, please visit www.wwo.org.