TThe GEANCO Foundation, an organization whose mission is to save and improve the lives of Africa’s most vulnerable and impoverished citizens, will host its first-ever corporate-sponsored Chicago fundraiser, the Health and Hope for Africa Concert Gala. On December 3, 2011 from 6:00 to 10 p.m., Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker and Chicago Bears Defensive Tackle Amobi Okoye will co-chair the spectacular event. Celebrity guests and prominent leaders from Chicago’s corporate, political and medical communities will come together for an exciting evening with an exquisite dinner and live entertainment by American Idol second runner-up and Dreamgirls Broadway National Tour actress Syesha Mercado at the Museum of Science and Industry (57th Street and Lake Shore Drive).
As a medical resident preparing to leave his homeland of Nigeria, founder Dr. Godwin Onyema recognized the need for advanced medical facilities in his community and promised his father Augustine that he would soon return to build a hospital. After settling in Chicago and supporting his four children through college, the Onyema family united in creating The GEANCO Foundation. “GEANCO” is a compilation of the initials of each member of the Onyema family. The family along with devoted doctors, attorneys, business professionals and healthcare management executives are putting forth all their passion and effort to ensure health and hope for Africa. The Foundation’s first step towards accomplishing this goal is to develop a world-class medical facility, Augustine Memorial (AMH) in Nigeria.
“We are pleased to host what is bound to be a memorable evening in our hometown of Chicago and to bring further attention to our mission for Nigeria,” said GEANCO COO Afam Onyema.
GEANCO has paired up with CBS Chicago Radio to spread the word about the Health and Hope for Africa Concert Gala. The evening’s activities include an exclusive Welcome Reception for VIP ticket-holders, a silent auction with a variety of desirable items, and an inspirational program followed by an intimate concert performance by American Idol season 7 second runner-up Syesha Mercado. A number of special guests are expected – Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (both set to give opening remarks during the Program), Judge Ann Williams of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and former Attorney General of Illinois Tyrone Fahner to name a few. Past GEANCO event attendees and supporters have included fashion mogul and television personality Kimora Lee Simmons, Academy Award-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou, famed writer Chinua Achebe, television host Jimmy Kimmel and Nobel Prize-winner Dr. David Baltimore.
To commence the weekend’s events, guests are also invited to attend the pre-event Hope and Health for Africa Kickoff on December 2, 2011 (more details to follow).
The Health and Hope for Africa Concert Gala is an exclusive charitable event that is not to be missed, and with limited ticket availability, attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Ticket prices begin at $150. Tickets are available now at www.GEANCO.org and will not be available at the door.
This years sponsors include: Ariel Investments, Holland Capital Management, AON/Hewitt and SKYY Spirits. Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available. For sponsorship inquiries and ticket availability, please contact Afam Onyema at aonyema@geanco.org.
