IMA World Health celebrates Partnerships at 50th Anniversary Event

Gary Tuchman, CNN national correspondent, acts as Master of Ceremonies during IMA's 50th anniversary event on October 16th.

Emily Esworthy/IMA

Partnership has been one of IMA World Health's founding principles since its start in 1960. Aligning with this key principle, the theme of IMA's 50th Anniversary event—held October 6 at the Newseum in Washington DC—was "Partnership. Health. Haiti."

In attendance were nearly 200 critical partners that have made IMA's work possible, including representatives from key US and international faith-based partners, business, government, donors and friends.

IMA staff from DR Congo and Tanzania spent time catching up with colleagues from the US and Haiti. Members of the media, including Gary Tuchman—the master of ceremonies and a senior correspondent for CNN—got to know the people and faces behind IMA's programs. Featured speakers, including Paul Weisenfeld and Ari Alexander of USAID and Alexia Kelly of the US Department of Health and Human Services, spoke of goals, challenges and IMA's accomplishments with a dramatic view of the US Capitol glowing behind them.

The spirit of partnership became palpable as the diverse attendees were united by their support of IMA, international health and Haiti. Cheers echoed at the announcement of IMA's partnership with TOMS Shoes to distribute 800,000 pairs of shoes to Haitian children. Many were moved as Rick Santos and Dr. Sarla Chand recounted their rescue from the collapsed Hotel Montana following January's earthquake in Haiti.

The milestone event will be long remembered as an evening of unity and hope for IMA and for Haiti.