Humanitarians & Stars Gather At Americares Airlift Benefit For 40th Anniversary
Oct. 8 2019, Updated 3:32 p.m. ET
Inspired by a deep love for humanity, stars, benefactors, health professionals, and supporters, came together this past weekend at Americares’ 2019 Airlift Benefit.
The gala — which was held at Westchester County Airport in New York this Saturday, October 5 — also served as a celebration of Americares’ 40th anniversary.
The organization provides medical care for communities in need and improves mental and physical health for people affected by poverty or disaster. With its efforts, it has helped save thousands of lives.
Hosted by actor, director, producer and Americares board member Tony Goldwyn, CNN Anchor and National Correspondent Erica Hill and Americares CEO Michael Nyenhuis, this year’s event highlighted the organization’s work in the Dominican Republic. There, Americares supports over 100 health facilities including hospitals and health centers.
More than 800 guests gathered in the JPMorgan Chase hangar to celebrate Americares’ health programs this Saturday. Each guest got to enjoy a three-course dinner while watching presentations about the organization’s life-saving missions. These include their work after hurricane Dorian, the California wildfires, tropical storm Barry, the Indonesian hurricane and tsunami, and many more.
Guest also got to witness the honoring of CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who was awarded the Bob and Leila Macauley Humanitarian Spirit Award.
“It feels good to do good,” he told the crowd.
Star Power
At the event, Orange is the New Black star Jackie Cruz performed two of the new songs, including “Hija de Chavez,” from her upcoming debut album.
Charitable Cause
Afterwards, Christie’s auctioneer Lydia Fenet called on audience members who chose to donate to the organization’s causes.
It’s A Party!
The evening included musical and dance performances by a variety of artists, and during cocktail hour, stilt walkers dressed in red festival outfits greeted guests.
Up In The Air
The gala ended when a group of VIP guests boarded a plane outside the location, and flew off to the Dominican Republic for a 24-hour journey to see Americares’ work.
All For A Cause
Moffly Media is the exclusive regional magazine sponsor of the 2019 Americares Airlift Benefit.