Former U.S. Ambassador and Nobel Laureate are Keynote Speakers at Upcoming Annual Fundraiser

On December 10th 2004, the International Health Organization (I.H.O) is holding its annual patrons dinner at the Harvard Faculty Club. This year, a highly respected individual - the former U.S. Ambassador to India, Frank G. Wisner, is scheduled to take center stage as the evening’s keynote speaker.

The annual Patron’s Dinner is one of IHO’s yearly efforts to raise the necessary funds. In addition to the distinguished keynote speakers noted above, Ambassador of Nepal, Kedar Bhakta Shrestha, Ambassador of Bhutan, Daw Penjo, Massachusetts Senator, Jarrett Barrios, and Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy of India, Rakesh Sood will also be present, as guests of honor.

Established in 1992, IHO is a Boston based non-profit organization that implements health and development programs in the impoverished communities of South Asia - particularly in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. In recent years, IHO has been focusing on the prevention of the widespread and deadly disease - AIDS. 

Each year millions of people are affected by the AIDS virus. It threatens the security and prosperity - not only of the affected countries - but also of our global society. A country with over 15% of the world’s population, India will surpass Africa to reach the largest number of HIV positive persons in the world.

The good news is that the spread of the AIDS virus can be stopped - by educating people. Governments, nonprofits, and the United Nation cannot do it alone. The businesses community can play a major role through philanthropic efforts. 

IHO has a track record in developing and implementing program models that improve people’s lives. They have been acknowledged for their work through grant awards from various foundations like the Elton John Foundation, American India Foundation, Pathfinder International and the Australian Embassy in India. However, like most nonprofits they are continually seeking funds to sustain their programs.

A jazz concert during the cocktail hour will start the evening, followed by dinner and evening program. All proceeds will go toward sustaining current I.H.O programs. 

William H. Gates, father of Bill Gates was once quoted as saying, "Many people make the case that AIDS is an economic issue or a national-security issue. If we have to make that argument to get the public funds we need to fight disease, we should do it. But to me ... this is a humanitarian issue. People are dying, and we can save them. That ought to be enough."

To learn more about I.H.O, you can visit their website, http://ihousa.org or you can contact the office at 617-254-5077.


ANNUAL PATRON’S DINNER
December 10, 2004
Harvard Faculty Club, Cambridge, MA

6:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Cocktails and Jazz Concert
7:30 pm to 10:00 pm: Dinner and Program

Keynote Speaker:
Frank G. Wisner, Former U.S. Ambassador to India

Contact: Dawn Gour
Tel: 617-254-5077
Email: dawngour@ihousa.org

Website: http://ihousa.org

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