Spirit of Helen Keller Gala Honors Hillary Clinton & Raises $1.1 Million to Prevent Blindness and Malnutrition

More than 300 Manhattanities gathered at Christie’s auction house to celebrate the 2013 Spirit of Helen Keller Gala on May 22. The 8th annual event was organized by Helen Keller International, one of the oldest and most effective international NGOs devoted to preventing blindness and reducing malnutrition in the world.

Hillary Rodham Clinton attended the upscale event to accept the Helen Keller Humanitarian Award in recognition of her tireless dedication to the global fight against malnutrition. “I’ve had the privilege of working with HKI several times over the years,” Clinton explained. “I’ve seen up close the impact that this organization has on the lives of children and families – the smart, sensible ways that you target some of the most pernicious threats, not just to vision but to health overall.”

Other notable guests included Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo; Nancy and James Buckman (Director, Wyndham Worldwide); philanthropists Sarah and Geoff Gund; Audrey and Zygi Wilf, Principal Owners, Minnesota Vikings; Daniella and Claudio Reyna (newly named Director of Football for New York City FC and former Captain of US Men’s National Soccer Team).

By the end of the evening, more than $1.1 million was raised in support of the foundation’s sight and lifesaving efforts in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Photo credit: Clint Spaulding for Patrick McMullan Company