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Miracle Corners of the World to Honor CNN's Documentary 'Can We Save Them?' at Second Annual Gala Dinner at NYU on February 21

Miracle Corners of the World to Honor CNN's Documentary 'Can We Save Them?' at Second Annual Gala Dinner at NYU on February 21

Published 02-20-06

Submitted by Miracle Corners of the World

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 20, 2006--


'MCW Lifetime Achievement Award' to be presented to Ambassador Daudi
Mwakawago and 'Spirit of MCW Award' to be presented to Alfred Hanssen

"Can We Save Them?," an hour-long documentary on Cable News Network (CNN) that focused on the issues facing Africa, will behonored for humanitarian achievement by Miracle Corners of the World (MCW) with the presentation of the "MCW Media Africa Advocacy Award" at the organization's second annual gala dinner, Tuesday, February 21, 2006. In addition, Ambassador Daudi Mwakawago, former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to Sierra Leone, will receive the "MCW Lifetime Achievement Award," and Alfred Hanssen of Philadelphia, Penn. will be presented with the "Spirit of MCW Award." The event will take place at New York University's Kimmel Center for University Life, Richard L. Rosenthal Pavilion, 10th Floor, 60 Washington Square South. A cocktail reception and silent auction will be held at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m.

"Can We Save Them?" aired on CNN on July 2, 2005. Christiane Amanpour, the network's chief international correspondent, hosted the documentary, which was produced by senior producer Jeff Kepnes and senior executive producer Mark Nelson. Presenting the award to CNN will be Dr. John Brademas, President Emeritus of New York University, who also served as a United States Representative in Congress for 22 years and as House Majority Whip.

"Can We Save Them?" explored the numerous challenges facing many African countries, including availability of food and water; the high mortality rate among children and adults; an epidemic of AIDS and HIV; limitations on education; logistical hurdles, such as lack of transportation and power; and governmental corruption. The perspectives presented during the documentary ranged from Ethiopian villagers to nurses in an African AIDS facility to British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"We are honored to receive the 'MCW Media Africa Advocacy Award' and proud of the impact that 'Can We Save Them?' made in the consciousness of its viewers," said Christiane Amanpour. "All of us at CNN remain committed to continuing to raise global awareness of the myriad of challenges facing the people of Africa, and are grateful to know that other groups, such as MCW, share our concern."

"CNN has long been a leader in reporting the myriad of challenges facing the people of the African continent," said Edward J. Bergman, Executive Director of MCW. "Beyond simply reporting the often disturbing facts, the network, in this case Ms. Amanpour, Mr. Kepnes and Mr. Nelson, adds an emotional urgency to address these complex issues by putting human faces in front of the staggering statistics. 'Can We Save Them?' is just the most recent example of the network's remarkable ongoing work."

Presenting the "Spirit of MCW Award" to Mr. Hanssen will be U.N. Ambassador Dr. Augustine Mahiga of Tanzania. Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham will present the "MCW Lifetime Achievement Award" to Ambassador Mwakawago.

"Ambassador Mwakawago's life has been dedicated to achieving the ideals to which we at MCW aspire, and his achievements on behalf of the people of Africa and the world are impressive," said Mr. Bergman. "Similarly, Alfred Hanssen shows the same commitment and desire to make a positive difference, as he clearly demonstrated as the community development construction director of MCW's youth housing and community village project in Songea, Tanzania."

For more information on the event or to make a donation, please contact Sharon Roling 646-262-2123 or online at events@miraclecorners.org.

About Miracle Corners of the World

Miracle Corners of the World, Inc. was founded in 1999 as a nonprofit organization serving youth around the world, primarily through programs of Youth Leadership Training, Community Center and Housing Development, and Healthcare Outreach. MCW's mission is to empower youth worldwide to become positive agents of change in order to help improve their own lives and contribute to their communities. MCW achieves its mission by working in close cooperation with a diverse network of public and private sector partners and through its commitment to Local Change through Global Exchange(TM). MCW has created and assisted with numerous community projects in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the United States. These projects have received recognition from various government leaders and international organizations. More information about MCW is available on the organization's Web site, www.miraclecorners.org.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

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