Hot shots from USDFA’s New York gala

Photography by Johnny Nunez

By Tadias Staff

New York – U.S. Doctors for Africa (USDFA), founded by Ethiopian-American social entrepreneur Ted Alemayuhu, presented its 1st Annual New York Gala Benefit last night, October 17th, at Cipriani Wall Street (55 Wall Street), honoring extraordinary philanthropists, including Russell Simmons (Chairman/CEO, Rush Communications).

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Dr. Judy, Ted Alemayhu, Russell Simmons and USDFA’s Anthony Severini and Lee Sorensen. Photo by Johnny Nunez

The evening included a performance by Alex Band of The Callingand teen band Creation, messages from screenwriter John August and USDFA founder Ted Alemayhu; as well as a video presentation by fromcomedian/actor/producer Bill Maher (HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher). The evening also featured a live auction and four-course gourmet dinner.

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Founder of USDFA Ted Alemayhu with the cast of “Guiding Light.” Photo by Johnny Nunez

Proceeds from the gala will benefit USDFA’s proposed $70 million Mobile Clinic Initiative.

“This event is one of many”, says Ted Ted Alemayhu, Founder & CEO of USDFA. “Including a recent benefit in Los Angeles honoring actor Chris Tucker—helping us bring 200 mobile clinics to African citizens in rural areas where medical services are currently unavailable.”

The Vice President of Ghana, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has joined forces with USDFA and is overseeing the project by helping arrange all logistical needs and necessary governmental partnerships.

The first mobile clinic being deployed to Ghana was onsite last night for guests to tour.

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Volunteer medical staff Carmen Walker gave tours of the mobile clinic; General Counsel of Ghana Joseph Ngminebayihi; Ted Alemayhu and USDFA’s Lee Sorensen. Photo by Johnny Nunez

Celebrities and VIPs that attended included honorees Russell Simmons, Warren Rosen (Founder/Chairman, Rosen Companies and Harmony Insurance Brokerage), Eric Pulier (Executive Chairman/CEO, SOA Software) and Paul Hunter (Founder/CEO, Hunter Manufacturing LTD), as well as screenwriter John August (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle”), USDFA founder/CEO Ted Alemayhu and performer Alex Band (of The Calling).

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Russell Simmons, guest and Ted Alemayhu outside mobile clinic. Photo by Johnny Nunez

Other guests included Leighton Meister (co-star of “Gossip Girl” & USDFA Host Committee
member), director Bret Ratner, Yankees alum Jim Leyritz, Miss Info (on-air radio personality Hot 97 FM, “MTV News”), Shon Gables (Host, “Black Enterprise Business Report”), cast members of “Guiding Light”: Ricky Paull Goldin, Nicole Forrester, Michelle Ray Smith, Jessica Leccia, Caitlin Zandt, Marcy Rylan, Rachel Smith (Miss USA 2007), and Liben Eabisa (Founder & Publisher of Tadias).

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Ted Alemayhu and Dr. Judy inside the mobile clinic being deployed to Ghana. Photo by Johnny Nunez

Tickets for the event ranged from $500.00 – 1,000.00 per seat.

Source: USDFA

Related: African First Ladies Partner with USDFA (Tadias)
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5 Responses to “Hot shots from USDFA’s New York gala”


  1. 1 Joseph Jamene Oct 19th, 2007 at 7:47 am

    The social event on behalf of U.S Doctors for Africa as founded by Ted Alemayhu was a remarkable performance noted on its stress on the vital issues of health that confront the African continient. It was several monthes ago, during the Ethiopian invasion of Somalia that the topic of Camel Dung caught my interests. Vital scientific research has been done on the topic that might get the attention of Mr.Ted Alemayuhu. The application of Camel Dung in systems of inviromental waste management as well as bacteriology and pharmacology of the human digestive system as related to Camel Dung and as applied to human internal medicine might interest though a common knowledge Dr.Ted Alemayuhu as refered to Ethiopia and its Herd resources.

  2. 2 Mesfin Ayenew Oct 20th, 2007 at 10:07 am

    Liben,
    Great to see you again. You have certainly found your venue in NY!
    Truly amazing experience. Ted succeeds because he lets others shine instead of taking the spot light himself. As a result, many leaders emerge to carry the torch he has lit for them. Ted has a stile that allows many to be a part of his vision. It is not an individual vision any longer; it has become a collective vision. Now there is a chance that the much talked about help for African countries can become a reality. In the Past most have only used this cause for personal gains. Ted has made it possible for individuals, rich and not so rich alike, to carry this vision to reality.
    We are very honored to be part of such an inspiring individual.
    Mesfin and Ruth Ayenew

  3. 3 Mara Dec 22nd, 2007 at 10:12 am

    WOW! Alex Band is really someone that young people should look up to….

  1. 1 African First Ladies Partner with USDFA at Tadias Magazine Pingback on Jul 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
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