Newsletter - Summer 2007
A Note from Marusya
AFG’s first big fundraiser in Tbilisi to benefit the children with leukemia in the Hematology-Oncology Center at the Republic Hospital for Children was held on May 19, 2007. I traveled to Tbilisi to attend this black tie event, the first of its kind in Georgia.
I’m pleased to say we raised $41,215, the largest amount ever raised in one night in Tbilisi to benefit any humanitarian organization. Corporations, business leaders, Georgian artists and many individuals donated generously (See a complete list of supporters.)
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Architect and artist, Lena Kiladze, worked for weeks with Theresa Gibson and Nino Svanadze of the US Embassy on this gala event. The US Embassy co-sponsored the event and the business community and many private individuals came together to make this work. U.S. Ambassador John F. Tefft spoke in praise of AFG and all the humanitarian work we have done in Georgia.
Georgian artists donated their work, which was auctioned by Cliff Isaak, Managing Director of Price Waterhouse Coopers in Georgia, whose lively performance kept the bidding going at an exciting professional pace! A Georgian filmmaker, Sandro Vakhtangov, donated his time to make a documentary film about the young leukemia patients, which was shown at the event. A leader of a Georgian rock group performed for free because he said, “this cause is close to my heart.” Talented teenage students from the Music Conservatory, an amazing ten year-old protégée pianist Irma Gigani, a troupe of exciting Georgian dancers ‘Rustavi’ and singer Lyra Brayshaw from the US Embassy donated their talents. Photographer Levan Kherkheulidze made wonderful photos of the children with leukemia and art designer Sopho Kvantaliani helped to design the invitation. The Public Channel, Rustavi 2 and the radio Green Wave were so excited that they covered the event for days following me around Tbilisi and to the hospital. The event was also covered by the news media The Messenger and Georgia Today.
The money raised will be used:
• to purchase medical equipment for children with leukemia to improve their recovery rates, which have been substantially lower than in the developed world;
• to build a much-needed kitchen for the hospital;
• to fund salaries for teachers and art therapists who help the children overcome the difficulties associated with their treatment.
Learn more about how you can make a donation to meet the continuing medical needs of these children.
More Good News!
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| Lena Kiladze, Executive Director – Georgia Photographer: Daro Sulakauri |
After working with our Georgian partners for 13 years, AFG is proud to announce the opening of a Representative Office in Tbilisi. Lena Kiladze has just been named Executive Director – Georgia to head the office.
AFG’s Board of Directors has also elected four new members:
- Sharon O’Brien Miles
- Liberty Walker Pattillo
- The Rev’d Elena L. Barnum
- Robert W. Medearis
Congratulations to all!
Sincerely,
Marusya Chavchavadze
Executive Director
American Friends of Georgia, Inc.