Washington, D.C. – The Global India Fund honored actor, activist, and humanitarian Ashley Judd at its benefit gala, “Invest in Girls, Invest in a Stronger Future” on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Nearly 400 guests were present at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, including Ashley Judd’s mother, Naomi Judd, who was beautifully adorned in an Indian Saree, courtesy of CBazaar.
“Ashley has been a tireless advocate for girls and women in India, and across the world,” said Dr. Amita N. Vyas, Founder of the Global India Fund. “Through her extensive travels and global advocacy efforts, Ashley has raised the profile of women and girl’s issues among politicians, policy makers and the general public. She is a true champion for all girls and women.”
The Global India Fund’s annual gala was part of a 2013 year long fundraising initiative to support public health programs for girls and women in India—where the need is overwhelming. One woman in India will die due to complications during childbirth every 5 minutes; 200 girls will enter into prostitution every day; and 2 million children will die because they lack access to clean water. These statistics are coupled with an alarming increase in gender-based violence – exemplified by the recent rape and death of a 23 year-old woman, which received considerable international attention. The gala raised nearly $150,000 in one night and Global India Fund will continue to raise funds throughout 2013.
“I am honored to accept this award from the Global India Fund on behalf of the many inspiring girls, women and health workers I have met over the years who are far more deserving than I of recognition for the work they do every day,” said Ashley Judd. “Access to basic healthcare should never be a barrier for a girl or woman to reach their full potential. The need for private investments that support the development of promising new health solutions cannot be understated.”
Ms. Judd received the award from event chairperson Nitasha Chaudhary Nagaraj and GIF co-founder Sarita Bhatt of Havas Worldwide, the event’s premiere sponsor. The event was emceed by WUSA-9 news anchor, Monika Samtani, and event sponsors included the Sanju K. Bansal Foundation, Morgan Stanley, BGE, Binary Fountain, the Reggie and Dharini Aggarwal Foundation, and NIKA Architects and Engineers.
To learn more about the Global India Fund and how you can support its goals, please visit our website.
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