On July 23, 2012, The International Rescue Committee had its second annual GenR (Generation Rescue) Party.  This GenR Party was hosted by a diverse group of young professionals who have joined forces to advance the humanitarian work of The International Rescue Committee.  The fundraiser took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and was hosted in The David Burke Garden at The James Hotel, 23 Grand Street, New York, NY.  The event’s lush garden setting, the delightful hors d’oeuvres, and the creative main dishes were both a feast for one’s eyes as well as one’s taste buds.  In addition, the evening also provided the guests with an opportunity to learn how The International Rescue Committee actually spends its funds.

Photo Credit: http://theglobaljournal.net

As was explained to the attendees, The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worse crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives whether it be abroad or in our own country.  Some of the organization’s greatest achievements have been to give 1.7 million people access to clean drinking water as well as access to working sanitation.  In addition, the organization has successfully resettled over 7,000 newly arrived refugees!

Two of the guests at the event shared why they were both so happy to be a part of The International Rescue Committee.  First there was Melissa Winkler, who is the Senior Communications Director of this great organization.  She shared that The International Rescue Committee was really the brainchild of Albert Einstein and began in an effort to help refugees who were fleeing Nazi Germany.  Then she added that the organization has responded to and provided humanitarian aid during most of the world’s major conflicts which now includes the uprising in Syria.

A second guest, Sheree Bennett, the organization’s Research and Evaluation Advisor, said that The International Rescue Committee is completely committed to understanding how effectively their programs actually work.  To do that, Sheree explained that the organization conducts tightly controlled impact evaluations to be able to identify and measure the most exact efforts of their programs. Sheree also added that The International Rescue Committee was a wonderful place to work, to share and to grow!

To learn more about this organization, visit their website.

By: Sora Vernikoff