October 17, 2013
Entrepreneur and Chef Marcus Samuelsson to Receive Spirit of Africa Award at Gala Event
On October 25th, celebrated chef, entrepreneur and author Marcus Samuelsson will receive the inaugural Spirit of Africa award at the Self Help Africa Change-Maker’s Gala Ball.
Over 600 people are expected to come together for a great night out in support of African entrepreneurship at Chelsea Piers. A host of stars from entertainment, fashion and sport will join the business, banking and legal communities for a night that “shifts the needle for Africa”.
Marcus Samuelsson, who was born in Ethiopia, will receive the inaugural Spirit of Africa award at the gala. The award honors Africa’s champions, those who embody the continent’s unique reservoir of talent, drive and entrepreneurship.
“We’re thrilled that Marcus is accepting this award — in many ways Chef Samuelsson personifies the talent and energy that is emerging from across Africa today, which holds out such hope for the continent’s future,” said Martha Hourican, Director of Development at Self Help Africa.
Held to benefit Self Help Africa’s projects in nine countries across Africa, the black-tie event, which includes a gourmet meal, open bar, a seven-piece band along with live and silent auctions, has raised $1.2 million to date.
Adding to the party atmosphere, renowned chef Nils Noren from the Marcus Samuelsson Group will create the signature Change-Maker’s Cocktail, which has helped to raise tens of thousands for the cause at previous events.
Also attending are Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), Nana Meriwether (Miss USA 2012), Monique Coleman(High School Musical), Nastia Liukin (Olympic Champion Gymnast), Diem Brown (The Challenge), Alicia Quarles (E! News Correspondent) and Tom Cavanagh (Ed, Royal Pains).
Hourican continues, “This is a fun evening, but the key is that it’s a night where we’re building success in Africa. The proceeds from this event are used to run Self Help Africa’s programs, helping to develop small businesses, increase profits in existing small businesses and ultimately lift people out of poverty permanently.”
For more information on the fourth annual Change-Maker’s Ball at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers on October 25th, please visit www.selfhelpafrica.org.