An Evening of Impact: The David Oyelowo Dinner for the GEANCO Foundation
WORDS BY,
IGEE OKAFOR
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
The Surf Lodge played host to a memorable event dedicated to transforming lives in Africa.
The dinner hosted by David Oyelowo benefiting the GEANCO Foundation furthered the Foundation's impactful mission.
3 MINS READ TIME
I arrived at The Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY, with high expectations for a glamorous evening but left with something far more profound—a deep sense of connection and inspiration. It was my first encounter with the GEANCO Foundation, and I was moved by both the beauty of the night and the incredible mission behind it.
As a Nigerian, I’ve heard countless stories of struggle and resilience from my homeland, but the GEANCO Foundation’s work resonated with me on a new level. Established in 2005, GEANCO is not just a charity; it’s a lifeline for countless lives in Nigeria. The Foundation’s work goes beyond surface-level aid; it digs deep into the heart of community needs, from complex surgical missions to mental and menstrual health support for teens. Seeing this dedication in action was both humbling and motivating.
The evening began on the sunlit terrace of The Surf Lodge, where the scenic beauty seemed almost surreal against the backdrop of the evening’s purpose. As I mingled with guests, the sense of community was palpable. This wasn’t just a fundraising event—it was a gathering of like-minded individuals united by a shared vision to make a tangible difference including supporters such as Flaviana Matata, Jayma Cardoso, and Katya Tolstova. The ambiance was further elevated by performances from Tinashe and DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown (Erykah Badu).
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
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David Oyelowo attends The GEANCO Foundation Dinner at The Surf Lodge on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
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Tinashe attends The GEANCO Foundation Dinner at The Surf Lodge on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
The highlight of the evening was learning about the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship for Girls. The scholarship provides more than just financial support; it offers a lifeline to young female survivors of terrorism and gender inequality in Nigeria. For many of us, these stories are all too familiar, but witnessing how GEANCO is actively transforming these lives was nothing short of inspiring. The scholarship’s comprehensive support—covering tuition, healthcare, leadership training, and emotional support—illustrates a commitment to not only addressing immediate needs but also empowering young women to build a better future.
The performances by Tinashe and DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown added vibrant energy to the evening.
Meeting Afam Onyema, the remarkable leader behind GEANCO was a turning point in my understanding. His decision to dedicate his life to this cause, despite lucrative offers from corporate law, is a testament to his commitment and passion. His leadership has not only driven the Foundation’s success but also served as an inspiration for many of us who are striving to make a difference in our own ways.
The support GEANCO receives from a wide range of individuals and organizations, from Oprah Winfrey to major corporations, underscores the broad impact and importance of their work. It’s a reminder that collective effort and shared values can lead to profound change.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
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Shay Safarzadeh and Shabnam Safarzadeh attends The GEANCO Foundation Dinner at The Surf Lodge on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
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Katya Tolstova attends The GEANCO Foundation Dinner at The Surf Lodge on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
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Erykah Badu attends The GEANCO Foundation Dinner at The Surf Lodge on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA.com
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Flaviana Matata and David Oyelowo attends The GEANCO Foundation Dinner at The Surf Lodge on Saturday, June 29, 2024.