The Colombian Education Fund (ColEF), first of its kind, was proud to host its first fundraising event at the Colombian Consulate in New York. Prestigious personalities from the entertainment and education industry were present including CUNY Senior Vice Chancellor Jay Hershenson, Liliana Gil partner and CEO of XL Alliance and the Colombian Consul General HE. Dr. Elsa Gladys Cifuentes. Over 150 people attended the VIP Cocktail a sign that the upcoming <fundraiser Gala on November 15th at the CUNY graduate center will be a success.
The night was filled with music, great food donated by Integral Solutions Corp., Colombia beer (Aguila) provided by Tenth and Blake Beer Company and wines donated by Zumir, Inc. Besides the various networking opportunities, attendees participated in a raffle for a round trip ticket (New York to Bogota) with Delta-the Gala Official Airline-. Luis Evelio Salgado Hoyos who was donating his photographic experience during the event was the raffle winner “Not only I get to support an educational cause but I win a ticket to my home country, thank you ColEF for the opportunity”
The program was opened with a speech by Consul General HE. Dr. Elsa Gladys Cifuentes. HE. Dr. Cifuentes stressed the importance of successful Colombians abroad to support the Colombian Education Fund. She believes that with their support people in need to access an education can accomplish this even when they have no resources and can have an opportunity to success in life, just like they have. “Colombian students that arrive to the US are better prepared in school because of their education in the country and are successful in difficult subjects like Math, and we can’t allow those brilliant minds to get lost because there are no resources to continue their studies” HE. Dr. Elsa Gladys Cifuentes said.
Colombian Education Fund’s founder and President John Moreno remembered his struggle when he came from Colombia with $100 in his pocket, leaving his family behind and the challenges he encountered to succeed. Today with dedication and his hard work with the Hispanic community, John has been awarded multiple scholarships and recognized by many organizations for his dedication and support to the Latino and Colombian Community. John is a successful social entrepreneur and community leader. Here are some of the words from our president: “Amigos, colleagues and leaders. We in #ColEF can’t do this alone, we need you all to support our journey in transforming lives of our communities through education and that’s why we are inviting you tonight to our appointment with the future – Our FIRST annual Gala and the international Launch of our Fund… THANK YOU AND LETS KEEP TRANSFORMING LIVES TOGETHER”
Contact us at info@colombianeducationfund.org if you or your organization is interested on our sponsoring packages or if you would like to make a donation towards the Colombian Education Fund scholarships that will be awarded in 2014.
The Colombian Education Fund (CEF) was created on March 2013 by a group of social entrepreneurs, academics, businesses and community leaders, with the support of the Colombian government, represented by the Colombian consulate in New York. It is the first education fund for Colombians abroad and is aimed at transforming lives through education by providing scholarships and assistance.
Gala information:
November 15th, 2013
Live Music/Auction – Open Bar – Hors’Doeuvres
Place: CUNY-Graduate Center – 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016
Time: 6-9pm
Attire: Black Tie
To purchase tickets (for a 30% discount enter: ColEF2013)
Partners/Sponsors
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Caring for Colombia Foundation
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United Latino Professionals
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Colombian Consulate of Colombia in NY
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Ministry ColombiaNosUne Program
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City University of New York
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Latino Youth for Higher Education Program
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Cross Eyed Visual Productions
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FrancoOsorio Graphic Design
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Cafecito Bogota
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Laudem Institute
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Colombian Film Festival
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XL Alliance
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HRBlock NY
Artists
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Gregorio Uribe
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Nilko Andreas
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Andrea Tierra
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Edmar Castaneda
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Enoc Castellanos
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Nelson Vianey
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Edwin Gi
Honorary Board
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HE. Dr. Elsa Gladys Cifuentes – General Consul of Colombia in NYC
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Jay Hershenson – Senior Vice Chancellor of CUNY
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Adriana Aristizabal – Executive Producer Colombian Film Festival
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Liliana Gil – Owner/Management Partner at XL Alliance
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Enrique Arbelaez – Managing Partner at XL Alliance
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Carmen Leonor Martínez-López, Ph.D – Professor/Deputy Chair – BMCC/CUNY
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Eder Holguin – Founder and CEO Ideal Media
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Elkin Arredondo – Founder and CEO Social Impact Ventures