2008 Education Leadership Award Dinner

In Honor of José Sergio Gabrielli, President & CEO of Petrobras, and Steven Shindler, Executive Chairman of NII Holdings, Inc.

On June 9, 2008, Worldfund honored José Sergio Gabrielli and Steven Shindler at its fourth annual Education Leadership Award Dinner.  The event took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City, and was attended by 450 guests.  John B. Hess, Chairman & CEO of Hess Corporation, presented the award to Mr. Gabrielli, and Tomás Milmo Santos, Chairman and CEO of Axtel S.A.B. de C.V. presented it to Mr. Shindler.

Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Gabrielli and Mr. Shindler, and to the generous support of everyone involved, Worldfund raised over $1.75 million at the Dinner.  Proceeds will be invested in: (1) expansion of Worldfund's after school academic programs for gifted youth in Brazil; (2) creation/expansion of our teacher/principal training programs in Mexico; (3) scholarships for students at our partner schools throughout Latin America; and (4) Worldfund operations.

Steven Shindler, Luanne Zurlo, and Jose Sergio Gabrielli at Worldfund's

2008 Education Leadership Award Dinner

A student from one of Worldfund's partner programs in Brazil also spoke at the dinner.  Bruno Cuperitino de Jesus, who completed the OGUNTEC (The Steve Biko Cultural Institute)'s rigorous after-school math and science program, located in Salvador, Bahia, described the transformative effect education has had on his life.  Read a copy of his testimony here.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who assisted with and participated in the event!  Due to your support and dedication, the evening was a great success.

View Worldfund's photo album from the evening.

Watch Worldfund's new five minute video which was previewed at the dinner.