"It is not enough to be compassionate, you must act."
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
BOSTON NIGHT TO SAVE DARFUR
The Boston Night to Save Darfur marked the debut of Worthy Causes, Inc., one of Boston’s newest non-profit organizations, and the first of its many fundraising events. Academics, professionals, human rights activists, politicians, artists, musicians and ordinary citizens joined together at the Royal Sonesta – Boston for a night of entertainment and enlightenment. Through their support, Worthy Causes, Inc. highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur and raised almost $100,000 for CARE and Doctors Without Borders, who are working tirelessly to end this humanitarian crisis.
The funds raised will be used to provide medical care, vaccines, clean water and sanitation services to the overcrowded refugee camps where more than 2.5 million people have been forced to flee, as well as to support community peace building work.
Attendees of the Boston Night to Save Darfur and other supporters signed a petition which has been sent to President Bush, Secretary Rice and Assistant Secretary Frazer calling upon the United States Government to:
- Bring together European allies, China, Russia, India and key Arab and African states in a united, coordinated effort to persuade the Sudanese government, the various rebel groups, and the militias to negotiate an effective ceasefire
- Ensure that all different ethnic groups have a stake in the peace process
- Ensure that Darfur is a top priority for public diplomacy, including public presidential statements and visits by senior officials
- Sustain provision of food, medicine, supplies and funding for Darfur for as long as it is needed
- Provide long-term reconstruction support once peace is secured
- Recognize that the Darfur conflict is but one integral part of a peace building effort for the whole region that encompasses South Sudan, Chad, and the Central African Republic
Among the attendees were prominent researchers Samantha Power and Eric Reeves, journalist Jane Pauley, Representative Barney Frank, grass roots activists Gloria White Hammond and Liz Walker from My Sister’s Keeper, and representatives from CARE and Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Entertainment was provided by the James Montgomery Band, Vincent Nsengiyumva & Ivanga Inanga Group, Rwandan dancers and musicians, Barclay Martin, and others.
You can still take action to help bring an end to the massive humanitarian crisis in Darfur! Click here
A meeting of the Worthy Causes, Inc. Advisory Committee will be held September 20, 2007 to decide. The next worthy cause will be posted by October 15, 2007. Please watch for details.