Reception and Photo Exhibit, hosted by the NoVo Foundation

On January 15th, the NoVo Foundation hosted a reception for BRAC USA’s board members, advisory council members, staff, and friends. Since supporting the launch of BRAC USA in 2007, NoVo has been a deeply committed partner and this event was the latest instance of their invaluable support.

A snow storm arrived that morning and threatened to detain some of our guests. Luckily, our concerns were promptly dispelled. Guests began arriving at 6:30 PM and were greeted with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, panoramic views of midtown Manhattan, and an exhibit of photographs representing BRAC programs.

After a first round of introductions, Jennifer Buffet gave a characteristically gracious welcome describing NoVo’s engagement with BRAC and the reasons for their support.

BRAC listens to what is living inside of people. They realize that the answers are on the ground with the people who live in a place – and this must be understood, empowered, harnessed and leveraged. BRAC works through and with the grassroots – with ordinary and extraordinary local people and talent.

Susan Davis, BRAC USA’s President and CEO, thanked Jennifer and Peter for their commitment to BRAC told the story of two BRAC women. The first was Jhonuka, a Bangladeshi girl and BRAC member whose photo was selected for the cover of Ian Smilie’s book about BRAC, Freedom From Want, which will be published in April. We hope you will pre-order a copy from Amazon or directly from the publisher. Susan then spoke about Veronica, the first Ugandan to be hired at BRAC Uganda, who has been twice promoted and appointed as head trainer for the microfinance program.

Lincoln Chen, Chair of the Board, then spoke about the late Alan Rosenfield, BRAC USA’s former Chairperson, and his considerable contribution to BRAC.

The occasion marked the first meeting of board and advisory council members, and we were thrilled by their enthusiastic exchange of BRAC stories. Everyone was in high spirits and there was a special sense of great, like-minded people, connecting on issues they feel passionately about.

We are so grateful to the NoVo Foundation for making that wonderful evening possible and all those who attended for their support of our cause and their individual commitment to enforcing real change in our world.

Many of our guests have asked us for the link to Peter Buffett’s amazing music video, Set Us Free. You can find Set us Free and other BRAC videos on our YouTube channel. This original song, composed and sung by Peter is featured on his new album Imaginary Kingdom. The song was inspired by Peter’s visit to BRAC’s programs in Bangladesh and uses the video and images that he himself shot. We hope that you will share the video with your circle of friends and contacts!