Event Marks 45 Years of Innovative Solutions to End Hunger
In a world where one in 11 people go to bed hungry every night, Action Against Hunger last week hosted a life-saving gala that raised $1.5 million dollars, marking the organization’s 45th anniversary as world leader in the fight against hunger. The funds raised on Thursday will help our teams continue to reach 21 million people in 55+ countries globally.
Action Against Hunger’s gala honored some of the world’s most influential humanitarians. We recognized Viola Davis as our Humanitarian Honoree, due to her lifetime spent advocating for a more just and equitable world.
Viola Davis received Action Against Hunger’s Humanitarian Award for her efforts to champion food security and health for all children.
“It’s very important for me to express to this room the power of humanitarianism,” she said, recounting her struggles while growing up. “There was no one who saw me, because the big, 1,000-pound gorilla that was on my back was the big ‘P’ word, which is poverty. And when you’re poor, nobody sees you.”
Davis is a critically revered activist, artist, producer, philanthropist, and author. She earned EGOT status after winning an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and multiple Tony awards. She has dedicated her life to championing social justice causes.
Viola Davis is Action Against Hunger’s 2024 Humanitarian Honoree.
“The memory of that hunger and that pain of poverty and the trauma of living in violence is what moves me through my life,” she said. “I don’t want any more little Violas. I want anyone rolling through the world thinking that they can’t get at their dreams because sometimes that’s the only place that you exist. Thank you for this award. Thank you for your commitment to hunger.”
Davis inspired the crowd to continue taking a stand against hunger.
“When you do things alone, it dies with you,” she said. “When you do things for others and for the world, it remains, and it is immortal.”
45 Years of Innovation
2024 r marks Action Against Hunger’s 45th year of making a direct impact on the fight against world hunger. Our Gala raises vital funding for our lifesaving programs, helping us to reach more than 21 million people in 55+ countries around the world.
Action Against Hunger also honored Farida “Frida” Gadzhimirzaeva as our Leadership Honoree for her unrelenting service.
As Deputy Regional Director of Central America, Gadzhimirzaeva has worked tirelessly to improve food security for vulnerable communities through her unshakeable dedication and Action Against Hunger’s transformative innovations.
Farida “Frida” Gadzhimirzaeva Deputy Regional Director, Central America receives the Leadership Award at Action Against Hunger’s 2024 Gala.
Action Against Hunger was privileged to honor IHG Hotels & Resorts as our Corporate Honoree. The hotel company has been a steadfast supporter of Action Against Hunger’s work and is striving to improve global food security as part of their Journey To Tomorrow responsible business plan.
The night’s emcee was Mo Rocca, esteemed correspondent of CBS Sunday Morning. He guided guests through an inspirational, unforgettable evening and helped raise life-altering funds for the 733 million people who go to bed hungry each night.
Dr. Charles Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger, took to the stage to raise awareness about the magnitude of the hunger crisis, reminding the audience that a child dies every 15 seconds from malnutrition. He also thanked supporters for choosing hope over cynicism.
“When we share our hope, each of us is a little less alone. And together, we create reasons to be hopeful. With your support, we can create hope and end hunger in our lifetimes. For everyone. For good.”
“Hunger is a crisis. It’s also one we can solve,” he said. “Over the past 45 years, Action Against Hunger has contributed to a 60% drop in child deaths from malnutrition.”
Owubah continued: “We have proven that hope can win. Hope wins when we take action. When we combat feelings of powerlessness by slowing down, as you have done, showing up as you have done tonight, and using your resources and voice to create change.”
Dr. Charles Owubah addresses the crowd at the 2024 gala.
Hunger is on the rise in many regions around the world. Raising critical funds for struggling communities is more urgent than ever before. Action Against Hunger, during our annual gala and beyond, is devoted to finding innovative solutions and ending hunger for everyone, for good.
Together, We Can End Hunger
We save the lives of children and their families. We will never give up. Until the world is free from hunger.
