The American Turkish Society's 2015 Gala to Honor Husnu Ozyegin and Hamdi Ulukaya at The Pierre on October 6th
NEW YORK, Sept. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Turkish Society will honor Hüsnü Özyeğin, Founder and Chairman of FIBA Holding and Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, at their 2015 Gala on Tuesday, October 6th at The Pierre in New York. Ulukaya will be given The American Turkish Society's Humanitarian Award and Özyeğin will receive The Society's Philanthropy Award for their significant contributions and moral commitment to improving the lives of so many in the United States, Turkey, and throughout the world. Mica Ertegun will serve as this year's Honorary Gala Chair and Muhtar Kent, the Chairman and CEO of The Coca- Cola Company will be Dinner Chair.
Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani, pledged $2 million last year for refugees fleeing violence on Turkey's borders. This year, Ulukaya signed The Giving Pledge and committed the majority of his personal wealth to help bring an end to the global refugee crisis. Ulukaya has also launched his personal foundation, Tent, to support his commitment. Tent is focused on providing urgently needed assistance to refugees and displaced people and building support for policies that can help end this humanitarian crisis. Chobani also gives 10% of its profits to support organizations that are also committed to providing better food for more people.
Hüsnü M. Özyeğin is a Turkish entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist, as well as Founder and Chairman of FIBA Holding and Chairman of Özyeğin University. He has received international acclaim for his charitable endeavors of over $420 million to support Turkey's education, health, and rural development and help to eliminate social disparities. Özyeğin has built 65 schools and girls dormitories and awarded over 12,000 scholarships to young, disadvantaged Turkish students. Over one million people in Turkey have been reached through the programs supported by Hüsnü Özyeğin and his family.
"We are honored to celebrate the philanthropic and humanitarian efforts of these two global leaders. Hamdi Ulukaya's and Hüsnü Özyeğin's tireless work is inspiring positive change across the globe and The Society is privileged to honor them at our Gala this year," said The American Turkish Society's Executive Director Marie Stewart.
Founded in 1949, The American Turkish Society is the oldest, independent organization dedicated to building bridges between the United States and Turkey. The American Turkish Society's mission is to enhance business, economic, and cultural ties between Turkey and the United States. The Society fosters understanding and cooperation between the countries through education, cultural exchange, philanthropy, humanitarian efforts and networking; presents and supports programs highlighting Turkish arts and culture; and nurtures the next generation of leaders through its Young Society Leaders program. Over 350 guests from the public and private sectors, including diplomats, leading business executives, artists, scholars and thought leaders from Turkey and the United States will support this year's Gala and all proceeds will support the non-profit's many programs in the areas of education, arts, culture, and business. For more on the American Turkish Society or to purchase tickets to this year's Gala, please visit www.americanturkishsociety.org.
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