The fourth annual Blue Jean Ball benefiting the Duke Global Women’s Health Initiative takes place February 26, and is expected to attract hundreds of patrons from around the Triangle. The event, which includes dinner and a silent auction, is hosted by the Duke University Medical Center’s Department of OB/GYN.
In collaboration with DGHI and the Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health, the OB/GYN department has developed and supported numerous maternal health projects in East Africa. Each year, over 500,000 women die in childbirth, mostly in low-income countries such as Tanzania. Countless more women are seriously injured as a result of poor access to adequate medical care. The initiative is part of Duke’s decades-long partnership with the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre.
At the event, Duke physicians will provide an update on their important work.
“Proceeds from this event support patient care and education in Moshi, Tanzania through Emergency Obstetrics Courses for health care providers, as well as treatment of women with obstetric fistula,” said Alice Cooper, chair of the Blue Jean Ball Fundraising Committee and OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner. “Materials, equipment and care have been provided to women and children in underserved East African areas through the monies raised at the Blue Jean Ball.”
The evening will also feature a silent auction from 6 until 8 pm, which has no admission fee and will feature over 200 items, which include weekend vacation packages, restaurant gift certificates, sports memorabilia, jewelry, signed artwork and many items from Africa.
Tickets for the dinner and live auction are $100 each and a portion is tax deductible. To attend the event or donate, see the DGHI calendar.
