10×10 is a global movement with the core mission to educate girls in developing countries, especially those that have traditionally made it difficult for young girls and young women to go to school. 10×10 and their network of nonprofits, celebrities, policy leaders, corporations and concerned citizens work together so that every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.
There is overwhelming evidence that educating girls dramatically improves the well-being of their families, communities and countries – multiplying the impact on society. 10×10 uses the power of storytelling in their groundbreaking film Girl Rising that features nine extraordinary girls from nine countries – their lives, their struggles, their hopes, their dreams. The film is narrated by renowned actors including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Salma Hayek, Freida Pinto and Alicia Keys.
Their message is simple: Educate Girls and You Will Change the World.
On the local front, the Arthritis Foundation is honoring two women for their commitment to the mission of the Foundation: raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of arthritis through education, research, advocacy. Joan Rubschlager and Jody Cofoid will receive the 2013 Freedom of Movement Award at the 24th Annual Arthritis Foundation Black Tie Gala on Saturday, September 21st at the Chicago Broadcast Museum.
Joan Rubschlager has served on the Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors since 1998. Joan, and husband Paul, support the Arthritis and Orthopedic Institute Leadership Committee at Rush University Medical Center. She is being honored for her dedication to the Arthritis Foundation Research Program.
Jody Cofoid has also served on the Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors since 1998. Jody has been instrumental in training Arthritis Foundation Programs for Better Living instructors and growing the number of Arthritis Foundation exercise sites throughout the Chicagoland area. She is being honored for her dedication to juvenile arthritis and physical activity programs which enhance the lives of people with arthritis.
New for 2013, a Freedom of Movement Humanitarian Award will be presented to Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII). Supporting arthritis research and education has been the philanthropic mission of Alpha Omicron Pi since 1967. Since then, AOII has donated over one million dollars to arthritis research.
This year’s event will have a star-studded celebrity vibe, inspired by Oscar Night. Guests will be treated like celebrity VIP’s. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, and dancing. For more information or to purchase a table for your very own star-studded evening, please contact Paula Sankarsingh, Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation, at psankarsingh@arthritis.org or (312) 880-4733.