An evening to remember

A fun time was had by all on June 9th at the kick off event for Powering Potential’s 10th anniversary celebration held at the Hemingway African Gallery located in the Manhattan Art & Antiques Center.

At the height of the evening, more than 60 people were enjoying fabulous hors d’oeuvres provided by Curious on Tanzania and its founder Justa Lujwangana.

The TWIGA ladies prepared Mandazi (Tanzanian donuts), Vitumbia (Swahili rice cakes), Chapati (flat bread), Muhogo (fried cassava or yucca) and fresh Tanzanian fruit salad – all mouth watering!

As guests filled their plates, the ladies provided descriptions of each food. Sponsors Heritage Link Brands and Corks on Columbus also provided our guests with wine throughout the evening.

Guests sampling Tanzanian cuisine

Founding Director Janice Lathen was introduced and, in an emotional presentation, she awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to The Segal Family Foundation.

This honor was accepted by Katherine Anderson, the foundation’s Knowledge and Communications Manager.

Members of Powering Potential’s management team, Rich Segal and V. Ena Haines, as well as our founding advisors, Scott Morgan, Anand Sethupathy and Surya Sayed-Ganguly also received Certificates of Appreciation. Our Country Director Albin Mathias was recognized too but could not be present.

Several honorees and Board President Milton Finger remarked about Powering Potential’s achievements over the past 10 years, citing our growth and outreach that has impacted more than 7,500 rural students in Tanzania.

Dahlia Farrar, Curious on Tanzania Founder Justa Lujwangana, Founding Director Janice Lathen and Cheritha Saulsby

The presentation was followed by a spirited, interactive performance of “MAJI MAJI: The Journey of Fetching Water” given by Curious on Tanzania. In colorful costume, Founder Justa Lujwangana, Cheritha Saulsby, and Dahlia Farrar had our guests singing along and everyone got with the rhythm.

Ellen Friedman and Mary Jane Cross

A wonderful committee headed by Betsy Kovacs and Ellen Friedman assembled an impressive group of items and services for our Silent Auction, which brought in approximately $1,400.

Our upcoming plans are to implement a Computer Lab – Phase 2 program at two schools (Endallah and Slahhamo) and a Computer Lab – Phase 1 program at three additional schools. Over $10,000 was raised toward this goal during our June 9th fundraiser. And Barry Segal of the Segal Family Foundation donated $10,000 in honor of his son Rich Segal.

Special thanks goes to Brian and Logan Gaisford, owners of the Hemingway African Gallery, Selena Cuffe, CEO of Heritage Link Brands, for wine; Brad Segal, Corks on Columbus, for wine, and our event organizer Georgia Allen for her incredible work.

We extend our gratitude to the Silent Auction Committee members: Betsy Kovacs, Ellen Friedman, Marcia Fingal, Carol Iannone, Mary Lennon, M.J. Cross, Nicole Sullivan, and Jean Van Buuren. Henry Seggerman and Richard Mushi were also valuable volunteers working with us the entire evening to ensure the success of our event.

Additional thanks to Sophia Yona-Luangisa and Doris Rweyememu from the TWIGA Ladies Organization and members of the NY-TZ community for going above and beyond to give our guests a great time.

Generous contributors to our Silent Auction included:

Brad Segal, Corks on Columbus
Ailene Fields, Sculptor

A Touch of Art

David Sem, Serena Hotels, Tanzania
Edwin Montalvo, Artist
Frederick Renz, Early Music Foundation, Inc.
Felicia Sanzari Chernesky, Author
Grace Roselli, Fine Art Photographer
Greta Muller, Executive Coach & Corporate Trainer
Jeff Bayone, Honors Bridge Club
Jen Gentile, Life Coach
Jennifer Binder, Aces and Cavendish Bridge Clubs
Jennifer Tyler, Knitwear
Jordan Auslader, Genealogist
Jeffrey Badler, Mauric Badler, Jewelers
Michelle Lechner, Belford Knits
Mick Chiodo, Photographer
Peter Wise, Guitarist
Richard Barclift, Artist
Robbyn Tongue, Saxophonist
Shannon McLinden, Farmhouse Fresh
Ric Kallaher, Photographer
Edwin Montalvo, Artist

The success of Powering Potential is dependent on the generosity of our sponsors, patrons and individual contributors. We thank you from our hearts for participating in the fundraiser and hope to have just as much fun during the next one. Onward & Upward!

Guests browsing through the Gallery