Arab American Institute Foundation to Honor Refugees International at 10th Annual Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards Gala

Actor Sam Waterston to Present Organization With Award for International Commitment at April 23 Event

The Arab American Institute (AAI) and Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) will honor Refugees International at the 10th annual Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards gala on Wednesday, April 23 in Washington.  Actor and Refugees International board member Sam Waterston will present the organization with the Award for International Commitment in recognition of over 25 years of contributions to the humanitarian field, confronting the world's worst refugee crises through a unique combination of advocacy and action.

Refugees International works to focus attention on and advocate solutions for the world's more than 35 million displaced people and 11 million without a nationality.  The organization is able to translate its field interviews with war-affected populations, non-governmental organizations, and aid agencies into advocacy with decision makers that produces results.  Its reports made Iraqi displacement a front page issue and led to quick action among international powers and the U.S. government alike. 

Other recent missions have included Somalia, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burma, Colombia, the Central African Republic, Liberia, and Kuwait.

The Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards focuses attention on acts of leadership that promote the common good and features prominent leaders from the diplomatic, business, philanthropic, and government sectors. Launched in 1999 by AAI and AAIF, the leading organizations in the promotion of the policy and community interests of Arab Americans, the Kahlil Gibran awards gala celebrates its tenth annual in 2008. Additional award recipients at this year's gala include Reporters Without Borders (Award for Institutional Excellence), U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood of Illinois (fifth annual Najeeb Halaby Award for Public Service), and the Barenboim-Said Foundation (Special Recognition).

Members of the press interested in covering the gala should contact Andy Sabino, AAI Public Affairs Coordinator, by email or at 202-429-9210, ext. 26. 

WHAT:   10th Annual Kahlil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards gala

WHERE:  JW Marriot Hotel
              1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
              Washington, D.C.

WHEN:   Wednesday, April 23, 2008
              Reception begins at 5:30 p.m.
              Gala dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.

RSVP:    Andy Sabino, AAI Public Affairs Coordinator
              202-429-9210, ext. 26

INFO:      Visit http://www.aaiusa.org/foundation/kahlil-gibran-awards

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