Party Pics: Face Africa

March 26, 2016 New York, NY United States: FACE Africa Wash Gala in New York.

FACE Africa hosted its 7th Annual WASH, (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Gala on Saturday March 26, 2016 at NeueHouse Madison Square in New York City. The Gala took place on the heels of World Water Day, (March 22nd) and aimed to bring awareness to the growing clean water epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. 700 million people globally lack access to safe water supply sources, with 300 million people in Africa alone affected everyday.

Over 300 guests stepped out in sparkling gowns and dapper suits in support of FACE Africa’s work and mission and helped raise $165,000, including $10,000 pledged during a live auction. Proceeds from this year’s WASH Gala will be used to expand FACE Africa’s mission beyond Liberia as well as support the organization’s WASH in Schools (WinS) Program.  The WinS program is an initiative in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Education that aims to improve the future of school-children across Liberia through the provision of safe water and hand washing and sanitation facilities in schools.

“As always, we were so touched and humbled by the outpouring of love and support from our sponsors, donors and the hundreds of guests who came out in support of our work and mission,” said Saran Kaba Jones, Founder and CEO of FACE Africa. “It was truly a magical evening of celebration, giving and inspiration.”

The event, coined by guests as the “Diasporan Oscars,” was hosted by celebrated journalist Zain Verjee and guests included celebrity stylist Ty Hunter, Grammy nominated artist Jidenna, Entourage star Adrian Grenier, actors Gbenga Akinnagbe and Adepero Oduye​ as well as Opal Tometti, one of the founders of the Black Lives Matters movement.

“It was an incredible feeling to see such a diverse group of community-spirited people, mainly young Africans in the diaspora, coming together for a great cause and I was extremely pleased to serve on the Host Committee again this year,” said OkayAfrica CEO Abiola Oke.

The Broadway play Eclipsed starring Lupita Nyong’o, is partnering with FACE Africa and donating 10% of all ticket sales generated by ECWASH322 code to support the organization’s WASH projects in Liberia. During the evening, a special message from Eclipsed star Saycon Sengbloh was played for WASH Gala guests to announce the partnership. Patrons can use the promotion code until the end of show’s production in June.

Photos by Keiko Hiromi, Cali York Photography & Aida Malik Photography.