It's not every week that you can attend an international star-studded charity event right here in Louisville, but next week you can -- even if it might involve a sticky floor and Raisinets.
That's right. An exclusive two-hour "event" that has been billed as "one of the most visible International Women's Day celebrations on the planet" can be attended by simply buying a ticket at one of two local theaters.
Next Thursday, March 4th, the poverty-fighting organization CARE will be hosting what it describes as an "uplifting night" of music and "celebrity discussion" -- as well as the premier of a documentary -- in honor of International Women's Day.
You may watch the event, which was recorded earlier this month in New York, at either Stonybrook or Tinsletown Theaters at 7:30 p.m. on the 4th. Nearly 500 theaters around the country will be participating.
The event is named "Half the Sky Live" after a critically well-received book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. I have read portions of the book for a project I was doing on fistulas (a terrible child-birth related injury that ruins lives in many developing countries.) Based on the sections I read, the book is an excellent resource on the problems facing women globally and provides a great "hook" for the event.
CARE notes that the book has been featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” CNN and Dateline NBC. It is a New York Times bestseller and Tom Brokaw has said its stories “will pierce your heart and arouse your conscience.”
In addition to appearances by the authors, the celebration will include the premier of the documentary "Woinshet," which is the story of an Ethiopian woman's triumph over violence and discrimination. It was directed by Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei and Lisa Leone.
A portion of ticket sales will support CARE's work in more than 70 countries, according to their press release
“Half the Sky is more than just a night at the movies," said Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of CARE. in a written statement. "It's a rallying cry to stand up and join a growing worldwide movement to empower women and girls to fight global poverty.”
Tickets may be purchased online or at the presenting theater box offices. Visit Half The Sky Live for more information.
Event panelists and performers include:
Andrea Mitchell, host of MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports
India.Arie – GRAMMY Award® winner
Maria Bello – Actress and activist
Diane Birch – Singer-songwriter
Michael Franti – American poet, musician and composer
Sarah Ferguson – Duchess of York
Dr. Helene Gayle – CARE president and CEO
Angelique Kidjo – GRAMMY Award® winner
Nicholas Kristof – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, New York Times columnist and acclaimed author
Rachel Mayanja – United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women
Marisa Tomei – Academy Award® winner
Melanne Verveer – Ambassador-At-Large for Global Women's Issues for the Obama Administration
Sheryl WuDunn – Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and acclaimed author
Let's discuss parenting as it exists here in Louisville, Ky., at the beginning of the 21st Century -- the ridiculous, the worrisome and the occasional moment that makes it all worthwhile
view locals now online
It's not every week that you can attend an international star-studded charity event right here in Louisville, but next week you can -- even if it might involve a sticky floor and Raisinets.
3
Beverly Bartlett