We alerted you earlier last month when Ashley Judd was set to be honored at the Global India Fund’s benefit gala, “Invest in Girls, Invest in a Stronger Future.” The Gala, which took place March 2nd, brought in nearly 400 guests, including Judd’s saree-clad mother, Naomi Judd, to the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium and raised nearly $150,000 in one night.
“Ashley has been a tireless advocate for girls and women in India, and across the world,” said the Global India Fund’s founder, Dr. Amita N. Vyas. “Through her extensive travels and global advocacy efforts, Ashley has raised the profile of women and girl’s issues among politicians, policy makers and the general public. She is a true champion for all girls and women.”
The Global India Fund’s annual gala was part of a 2013 year long fundraising initiative to support public health programs for girls and women in India. Event chairperson Nitasha Chaudhary Nagaraj and GIF co-founder Sarita Bhatt of Havas Worldwide, the event’s premiere sponsor, presented Judd with her award. The event was emceed by WUSA-9 news anchor, Monika Samtani, and event sponsors included the Sanju K. Bansal Foundation, Morgan Stanley, BGE, Binary Fountain, the Reggie and Dharini Aggarwal Foundation, and NIKA Architects and Engineers.
“I am honored to accept this award from the Global India Fund on behalf of the many inspiring girls, women and health workers I have met over the years who are far more deserving than I of recognition for the work they do every day,” said Judd. “Access to basic healthcare should never be a barrier for a girl or woman to reach their full potential. The need for private investments that support the development of promising new health solutions cannot be understated.”
