Hosted by Naomi Watts, the 14thannual gala, with this year’s theme, There’s No Problem We Can’t Solve, benefiting Worldwide Orphans, included cocktails, dinner, a live auction by CK Swett, a silent auction as well as a special performance by Tony Award-winner, LaChanze. This was a fundraising event which highlighted WWO’s work accomplished over 21 years, in 15 countries including the USA, to transform the lives of vulnerable children. WWO has served 130,000 children and reaches 10,000 children each year.
This year’s honorees included Katie Couric¸ award-winning journalist, Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) co-founder and New York Times best-selling author and Larousse Pierre, orphan and survivor of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, who has been under the care of WWO.
Dr. Jane Aronson is a 2018 Champion for Change, nominated by CNN’s Anderson Cooper, for her work in Haiti and around the world. The CNN film was showcased at the gala, highlighting WWO’s work in Haiti following the earthquake of 2010 and its continued efforts to help Haitian children and families.
Founded in 1997 by Dr. Jane Aronson, a renowned pediatrician, WWO addresses the trauma of at-risk children through its trademarked program, Element of Play®, which uses toy libraries and play to heal the long-term effects of trauma. WWO’s work is evidence-based through metrics to adapt and renew programs. WWO transforms the lives of children and communities through education, medical care and psycho-social support, so they can become confident, competent, thriving adults who will change the world around them.
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Worldwide Orphans Foundation CEO and President Dr. Jane Aronson, Katie Couric, and Naomi Watts attend the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: Luke Guldan attends the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: (L-R) Katie Couric, Worldwide Orphans Foundation CEO and President Dr. Jane Aronson, and Amy Poehler attend the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: Amy Poehler (L) and Worldwide Orphans Foundation CEO and President Dr. Jane Aronson attend the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: WWO Ambassador of Arts Amy Poehler speaks onstage during the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: Naomi Watts attends the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: Amy Poehler attends the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: Naomi Watts (L) and Amy Poehler attend the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 05: Naomi Watts attends the Worldwide Orphans 14th Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street on November 5, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for WWO)