The American Fertility Association Honors Actress Nia Vardalos, Dr. Alan Penzias at Annual Fundraising Gala

NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Two hundred and fifty supporters joined the board and staff of The American Fertility Association (The AFA) at The Yale Club in Manhattan for the Organization's annual fundraising gala, Illuminations NYC. The evening celebrated a period of extraordinary growth for The AFA and an enhanced vision for 2014, which includes plans for creating a concierge-style web experience able to provide a personalized path for individuals wishing to have a child, as well as providing professionals with expert-level analysis and recommendations about emerging technologies in the field of fertility.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131112/PH14498-a )
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131112/PH14498-b )

Best known for her starring role in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," actress and author of "Instant Mom" Nia Vardalos received the Carolyn Berger Adoption Advocacy Award for her outspoken leadership in the area of foster care adoption.  Alan Penzias, M.D., received the Joyce M. Varygas, M.D. Visionary Award, for his extraordinary commitment and innovative approach to melding cutting-edge science and patient care. Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption President & CEO, Rita Soronen, spoke movingly about the need for adoptive parents. A video tribute from television personality Katie Couric rounded out the presentations.

Human rights activist and soon-to-be MSNBC TV host Ronan Farrow, actress Rachel Dratch and actress Kathy Najimy joined Ms. Vardalos at the event. Broadway star Gavin Lodge and Tony Award Winners Todd Ellison and Beth Leavel provided outstanding entertainment to a rapt, sold-out crowd.

"We were thrilled to honor Nia Vardalos and Dr. Alan Penzias, as their extraordinary work in adoption and assisted reproduction speak to the range of options The AFA supports in helping people create their path to having a child," said Ken Mosesian, The AFA's Executive Director. Don Hribek, Chair of the Board of Directors stated, "The evening's celebration was a clear expression of our board's powerful vision for the future, and we have a committed staff ready to put that vision into action."

"We are delighted to be part of Illuminations again this year and to celebrate The AFA's ongoing commitment to helping all people who want to have a child," said Michelle Dipp, M.D., Ph.D., C.E.O. of OvaScience, a life sciences company. 

The American Fertility Association (The AFA) is an inclusive organization committed to helping people create their families of choice by providing leading-edge outreach programs and timely educational information. The scope of our work encompasses reproductive and sexual health, infertility prevention and treatment, and family-building options including adoption and third party solutions. The AFA is a national, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization headquartered in New York City. 

Contact:
Corey Whelan
Program Director
(718) 853-1411

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SOURCE The American Fertility Association