September 21, 2009 

Can we top last year’s AHEAD 2nd Annual NYC GALA celebration in Manhattan? Fast forward to another fantastic evening at The River Room on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Invision yourself in attendance in support of this revolutionary organization.

For those of you who were in attendance last year, and those who wish they had not missed this fete, last years 2008 celebration organized by Drs. Karen Gear, and Donna Williams, shared the work of AHEAD with our guests and patrons and showcased the work that Dr. Irving & Mrs. Elvira Williams have been undertaking in Tanzania for almost 30 years. 

The evening’s event, played before a full house of over 130 guests, at the base of the George Washington Bridge, and the banks of the Hudson River.  The River Room served as a perfect venue for this thrilling night of fun and philanthropy. From the fabulous Masters of Ceremony, ABC news anchor, Sandra Bookman, and Actor/Activist, Lamman Rucker; to His Excellency Ambassador O. Sefue of the United Republic of Tanzania, who gave the keynote address; and, AHEAD Alumni, Cornelius Bates, Michelle (Miamuna) Coghill Chatman, and Paul Hurlburt, who shared their AHEAD experiences, and a host of vendors of East African textiles and jewerly— all contributed to making the celebration and fundraiser a tremendous success. Dr. Clarence Shelton and the MWV (Musicians With Voices), provided live jazz for the event.   

We eagerly anticipate 2009’s fete to be even greater. Your attendance will make it so.  As we raise awareness of this phenomenal African American organization, we hope that you plan to join us at this annual event in December of 2009! Through these efforts, every dollar contributed goes directly to further AHEAD’s vision of educating and empowering young people and continue our efforts to equip Masaki Hospital in Eastern Tanzania, so mothers and newborn infants will not continue to die unnecessarily because of lack of resources and access to healthcare.  For more information stay tuned to further announcements on this website.