INDIRA CESARINE CO-CHAIRS THE 2013 AFPT AWARDS BENEFIT FOR THE “TRAIN OF HOPE”

The Untitled Magazine‘s editor in chief, Indira Cesarine, co-chaired this years AFPT awards and benefit dinner on Monday, December 9th, at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.  The honorees of this years awards ceremony include Sienna Miller, David Anthony Colbert MD, Mikhail A. Prokhorov, Tony Elumelu and Fredric S. Maxik.

Known as “The Train of Hope,” The Phelophepa (PAY-low-PE-PA) Trains are two mobile medical units that use South Africa’s existing railways to bring desperately needed medical care, counseling and preventative education to the poorest and most remote villages of South Africa. In the local dialect, “phelophepa” literally means “good, clean health”. (www.trainofhope.org)

The American Friends of The Phelophepa Train (AFPT) is privileged to host the annual “Train of Hope” benefit dinner and auction to celebrate and support the train’s travels throughout South Africa. The AFPT will recognize this year’s recipients of the 2013 Phelophepa Award for Excellence for their unwavering devotion to improving global healthcare and making a difference in the lives of less fortunate people.

About the Honorees:

David Anthony Colbert MD, Renowned Dermatologist. Dr. Colbert is a committed Philanthropist who, following the massive 2010 earthquake, traveled with staff to Haiti to treat injured survivors. Proving that beauty is more than skin deep, Dr. Colbert uses his medical expertise as a dermatologist, internist and wound care specialist, working directly with victims of natural disasters. He is the founder of the NYDG Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing prosthetic limbs to Haitian amputees. He was also the recipient of Edeyo’s Humanitarian Award for his commitment to improving the life of Haitian children.

Influential business leader and Nigerian philanthropist, Tony Elumelu. Mr. Elumelu is Chairman of Heirs Holdings Ltd., and is among Africa’s most respected business leaders having built one of the continents largest and most successful financial institutions. The Tony Elumelu Foundation was founded to promote excellence in business and entrepreneurship throughout Africa.

Russian entrepreneur, philanthropist and politician Mikhail A. Prokhorov. Prokhorov is Chairman of ONEXIM, the owner of the Brooklyn Nets and was listed by Forbes as one of the Richest People on the Plantet in 2013. He is the founder of the Mikhail Prokhorov Foundation, which supports cultural initiatives in Russia. Mr. Prokhorov ran as a Russian Presidential Candidate in 2012.

Golden Globe and BAFTA nominated actress, model and fashion designer Sienna Miller.  Miller is the Global Ambassador for International Medical Corps and has traveled with them to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti after the earthquake in 2010.  She has also worked alongside Global Cool and the United Kingdom branch of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which works with seriously ill children and their parents. Ms. Miller has a long history as a philanthropic supporter of charities dedicated to health, human rights and the eradication of poverty.

Founder of Lighting Science Group Corp., Fredric S. Maxik.  Mr. Maxik is Chief Technology Officer at LSGC. In 2012 he was recognized by the White House as a national “Champion of Change” for his work harnessing renewable energy to empower people and communities in the US and Africa. He is assisting the Phelophepa project as it converts its trains to LED systems, reducing power use and costs as it delivers healthcare to rural villages in South Africa.

Serving as Auctioneer and Master of Ceremonies at the Gala Dinner is Designer, Lifestyle Guru and TV Personality, Colin Cowie. Cowie, is known as the party planner to the stars and a contributor to the TODAY Show on NBC. As a South African and 2007 recipient of the Phelophepa Award for Excellence, Cowie is an unwavering supporter of the “Train of Hope”.

As Chairman of the Phelophepa Train, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah Tutu will send a video recorded greeting to those in attendance and his congratulations to this year’s honorees.

In addition to the evening’s dinner and awards presentation, this year’s program includes a fashion show by South African designer Shaldon Kopman of Naked Ape and entertainment by artists from The Troy Curtis Group.  The bespoke menswear is a natural extension of Kopman’s elegant style.  He is often mentioned on various best-dressed lists and has won a coveted GQ Best Dressed Men’s Award.  Naked Ape has achieved international recognition for its handmade garments using natural fabrics and artisanal design and production ethics.  President Obama and Michelle Obama in 2013 met and thank the designer for his outstanding contribution to South Africa’s burgeoning fashion industry.

An auction to complement our fundraising efforts will include a day with Oprah Winfrey during her magazine cover shoot, a $10,000 “Day of Beauty” with New York’s most respected dermatologists and philanthropist, Dr. David A. Colbert, as well as a silent auction of photography and artwork, including a an original photograph by Indira Cesarine.

To donate and for more information visit http://trainofhope.org/2013-gala/