Tuesday, March 7, 2017

LUCOM Medical Outreach prepares for second Helping Hands Black Tie Gala

Helping HandsLiberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) – Office of Medical Outreach and International Medicine will host its second Helping Hands Black Tie Gala, in support of domestic and international medical outreach on Friday, April 28, from 6-8 p.m., in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom, on the campus of Liberty University.

The event will be highlighted by presentations from keynote speakers Lance Plyler, MD, medical director of Disaster Response at Samaritan’s Purse, and Phiona Mutesi, international speaker and chess champion from Uganda.

Dr. Plyler is an Internal Medicine Specialist and the Medical Director of Disaster Response of Samaritan’s Purse. Traveling to Liberia after receiving word a colleague had been quarantined with Ebola, Dr. Plyler defied the odds, relying on his personal faith, and saved his friend. His story and Samaritan’s Purse efforts are told in the upcoming film, Facing Darkness, released this year.

Phiona Mutesi was born into Katwe, the largest slum in Uganda, Africa. Overcoming personal tragedy, she has become a worldwide speaker offering hope and inspiration to young women. Mutesi is most commonly known as a chess champion and for the recent Disney film about her life, Queen of Katwe.

Individual tickets to attend the Gala are $150 and a table of 10 guests will cost $1,500.

Those supporting the event through the purchase of a table will be recognized in the program and will receive an autographed copy of the book, Queen of Katwe, inspired by Mutesi’s life story. This is set to be a motivational and entertaining evening.

Last year’s Helping Hands Gala featured 1992 Nobel Peace Prize winner and the only Nobel Laureate from Guatemala, Dr. Rigoberta Menchú Tum. Proceeds from the event were given towards the establishment and operation of a comprehensive medical and health care clinic in Zacapa, Guatemala.

To purchase tickets to this year’s gala, call (434) 582-2317 or email, LUCOMOutreach@liberty.edu.