Last year, Sama Reader N’Gaye sent us an email about an organization raising awareness about Congo we decided to mention in: RAISE Hope for Congo: Activism you can wear. A few months ago, it’s Sama Reader Lissa who commented on Darfur, Congo, Burma: is ‘good will’ enough? about the great work this organization was doing.

She has been following the organization news and events since then and this weekend Lissa sent us an email about a  Gala Fundraiser organized by Children Mending Hearts on  April 16, 2010 in Hollywood.

Here is everything you need to know about this Gala!

About this Gala Fundraiser (read more here):

We are excited to announce our 2010 gala fundraiser will be held April 16, 2010 at The Music Box in Hollywood.  Ben Affleck, along with Grant and Lysa Heslov, will host the event. Funds raised from the event will support the Children Mending Hearts arts & cultural exchange programs with homeless and at-risk children in the United States and refugee children suffering from armed conflict worldwide.  A portion of the evening’s proceeds will also benefit Women for Women International, which since 1993 has given more than 243,000 women survivors of war and other conflicts the financial support, rights education, job skills training and business development skills they need to build a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

This year’s Host Committee includes Jennifer and Ben Affleck, Michelle Williams, Forest and Keisha Whitaker, Sheryl Crow, Kate Walsh, Quincy Jones, and Hank Azaria.

“It is deeply rewarding to be a part of an organization that makes a profound difference in lives of children, through the power of arts and cultural programs,” said Ben Affleck, Host Committee Member.  “I am thrilled to be part of this year’s event.”

Honorees for 2010 gala: Eve Ensler -Heal the World Award, Luc Robitaille -Humanitarian of the Year Award

Special performances by: Five for Fighting and other musical guests including: Ethan Bortnick, the Dan Band and band from TV featuring Greg Grunberg, Bob Guiney, Jesse Spencer, Adrian Pasdar, Scott Grimes, James Denton

You can purchase tickets or table, you can become a sponsor for this event or donate if you’re unable to come. There is also a live auction running at CharityBuzz: if you bid and win, you and three guests will spend 3 days and 2 nights in a luxurious beach side home at El Dorado Golf and Beach Club, an exclusive, private residential club community in Los Cabos, Mexico. Minimum bid is $2,000.00 and the estimated value is $10,000.00. This lot will close on April 16th to be part of the live auction on that evening in LA.

Last but not least: a portion of the evening’s proceeds will also benefit Women for Women International, which since 1993 has been helping women in war torn regions go from victim to survivor to active citizen by providing financial aid, job training, rights awareness and business leadership education. An information worth mentioning since the Sama Gazette is a long time supporter of Women for Women International‘s actions (thanks to the suggestion made by Max Dana).

Now you know everything, whether you live in Los Angeles or not, you know how to support Children Mending Hearts Arts & Cultural exchange programs with homeless and at risk children in the United States and refugee children suffering from armed conflict in Africa. If you attend the event, please let us know. We would love to hear from you about the special performance by band from TV featuring Greg Grunberg, Bob Guiney, Jesse Spencer, Adrian Pasdar, Scott Grimes and James Denton!