Voices of Kibera 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

Event: Voices of Kibera 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
Date: October 2, 2024
Location: Fort Mason, San Francisco
Photos (34): Drew Altizer and Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

The Human Needs Project (HNP) celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Fort Mason, San Francisco, raising an impressive $325,000 to support its work in Kibera, the largest slum in Africa. Hosted by acclaimed actress Connie Nielsen, the evening was a spectacular tribute to HNP’s decade-long impact, blending philanthropy, music, and community engagement.

The event featured an exciting silent auction, where two tickets to the worldwide premiere of Gladiator 2 in Los Angeles sold for $40,000. The exclusive package included access to the premiere viewing and a VIP after-party with the movie’s stars, including Connie Nielsen, who reprises her role as Lucilla, alongside Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Paul Mescal.

The evening kicked off with an elegant cocktail reception overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a seated dinner. Master of Ceremonies Betty Yu kept the energy lively throughout the night, and guests were treated to inspiring performances by Kibera artist Daniel Futwax, HNP’s music producer and scholarship recipient, along with local Bay Area musicians Vicki Randall and Greg Loiacono. Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon, a board member of HNP, delivered a heartfelt message via video, adding to the emotional depth of the evening.

Notable attendees included Connie Nielsen and David Warner, hosts of the event and founders of the Human Needs Project; philanthropists Katie and Todd Traina, who have been long-standing supporters of HNP’s mission in Kibera; Honorable Judge Ann Claire Williams, a champion of justice and human rights involved in global development efforts; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation; Zem Joaquin, CEO of Near Future, Internet entrepreneur Sunil Paul, and Kristina Yarmolich, Executive Director of the Human Needs Project.

The event highlighted HNP’s programs, particularly the scholarships and opportunities provided to artists like Daniel Futwax, who recorded music in the Bay Area and Los Angeles through HNP’s partnership with top music studios and education programs, including LAMP (Los Angeles Academy for Artists and Music Production). HNP not only equips the community with basic needs services like clean water, education, sanitation, energy infrastructure and urban farming program but also empowers Kibera’s youth by showcasing their talent on the global stage.

View more images in Around Town, Event Photo Galleries and Videos