i.HUG Event Raises Hope ... and $25,000

NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The I Help Uganda Grow (i.HUG) Foundation recently hosted its first Benefit Gala, raising more than $25,000 to help disadvantaged and orphaned children of Kabalagala, Uganda. Kabalagala is a slum community near Kampala that has been stricken with HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty.

The sold-out event, which was held at the historic National Arts Club in New York City, brought together companies and individuals to celebrate the successes i.HUG accomplished over the past year with its establishment of The Kabalagala Community Academy, a primary school serving the children most in need.

"It was touching to see so many people come to this event and support our efforts," said Joanna Breitstein, i.HUG co-founder and president. "By connecting people to the project, they are affecting i.HUG's impact on the ground."

Extreme poverty can affect a child's physical, social and emotional development; it is also a risk factor for disease and even death. The monies raised at i.HUG's Benefit Gala event will be used to help break the poverty cycle by providing needy children clothing, food, education and access to healthcare.

Attendees at the fundraising Gala included CEOs of healthcare communications agencies, United Nations' employees, editors of leading industry and consumer publications, members of the beauty and fashion industry and local community leaders. Major sponsors for the event include Brooks Brothers, Clarins, Flashpoint Medica, Huron Consulting, and Lyon Heart. The New York University's School of Dance also performed at the event, demonstrating native dances from Uganda.

Since its establishment in 2006, i.HUG has helped more than 70 children who have been neglected due to extreme poverty, orphaned by AIDS, rescued from the streets, or abandoned. Today, these children are thriving and attend school. People interested in learning more about i.HUG or in making a donation to the Kabalagala Community Academy can visit http://www.iHUGfoundation.org.

About i.HUG

Established in January 2006, The I Help Uganda Grow (i.HUG) Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit group whose mission is to reach out to disadvantaged and orphaned children in Uganda by providing them with an education, access to healthcare, and an environment that fosters their physical, social, and emotional development. In order to ensure the sustainability of the mission, i.HUG strives to use local resources and to leverage its successes to benefit the entire community. For more information, visit http://www.iHUGfoundation.org.

SOURCE I Help Uganda Grow (i.HUG)