Gala Raises $400,000 for Student Scholarships

NEW YORK, NY (November 9, 2007) - The 12th Annual Flame of Hope Gala was a smashing success. The sold-out event broke records by raising $400,000 for American Indian student scholarships.

The program was held at the United Nations Delegates Dining Room, providing a glittering backdrop of New York City for guests. The program honored volunteer Judi Gott was honored for her years of dedicated work on behalf of the American Indian College Fund. The New York Times and Toyota were also honored for their support. Trivia Afraid of Lightning, a student at Oglala Lakota College, spoke of the challenges she has faced in her life, and how her determination and the support of the Fund helped her achieve her goals. Her story brought tears to the eyes of attendees, and she received a standing ovation. Mary Beth Jirón, a scholarship recipient and winner of the student blanket design contest, was unable to attend due to a family emergency. John Gritts of the Institute of American Indian Arts, where Jirón is a student, read Jirón's speech on her behalf.

The Brooklyn-based Redhawk Dance Troop performed several dances for the enthralled crowd, culminating in a round dance. The Bacon Brothers band got the crowd off their feet for more dancing before the night was through. The Fund board of directors culminated the evening with a special surprise by honoring Fund president Rick Williams for his years of service as Ferlin Clark of Diné College sang a blessing.

Despite the success of the event, the Fund's work is far from finished. As numbers of American Indian students entering college increases, so does the need for scholarships. As Afraid of Lightning noted, “You have no idea how much this helps someone like me.” So please consider a gift today!

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