11.21.2008 - 11:10am ET

(CSRwire) NEW YORK, NY. - November 21, 2008 - The Seventh Annual Gala Dinner by the American Friends of the Phelophepa Train was held last night at TheTimesCenter in New York City, where it honored the Most Reverend Desmond N. Tutu his wife, Leah Nomalizo Tutu for their commitment to advancing health care for the poor in South Africa and for their patronage of the American Friends of the Phelophepa Train. Robert W. Lane, Chairman and CEO of Deere & Company and Steve Killelea, Founder & President, Global Peace Index, and Chairman & Founder Integrated Research Ltd. were also honored for their outstanding contributions to South Africa.

The Phelophepa (pronounced Pay-lo-pay-pa) Health Train, or Train of Hope, is a mobile medical unit that crisscrosses remote areas of South Africa by rail throughout the year. It has been in continuous operation since 1994 providing primary health, dental, optometry and counseling to patients living in remote rural areas. The American Friends of the Phelophepa Train is a registered 501c3 charity and is the US-based fundraising arm for the train whose mission is to provide American individuals, foundations and corporations with opportunities to contribute.

"We had a wonderful time last night and could not be happier with the support we have received over the years. Archbishop Tutu has been a magnificent patron and the important health services the train delivers would not be possible without his voice or the support of our partners and donors" said Sharon Allen, Chairman of Deloitte LLP and Chairman of the Board of the American Friends of the Phelophepa Train.

The evening featured entertainment by Kyla Upshaw, Maguette Camara of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, dancers of the Mane Kadang Dance Company, South African singer Karma, the New York Christian Cultural Center Mass Choir, and a guest appearance by Whoopi Goldberg. The guests included celebrities, business leaders and other long time supporters of the train.

"We deeply appreciate the ongoing generosity of our American friends and will explore innovative approaches to maximize the impact of our future fundraising efforts in support of the Train of Hope," said Cathe Kruger, Executive VP of the American Friends of the Phelophepa Train.

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