At a glittering gala event in Washington DC on 14th October 2010, attended by Heads of State, royalty, ambassadors and other dignitaries, the Music Therapy Community Clinic was honoured with a prestigious award from the Mentor International Foundation.
Mentor is a non-governmental organisation that works globally to prevent drug misuse in young people. Their primary focus is the health and well-being of children with the aim of allowing them to develop to their full potential.
A total of only four awards are presented globally each year, so we feel especially honoured to receive the Innovation Award which “recognises organisations whose work indicates significant promise for achieving effective outcomes in preventing drug abuse” for our Heideveld Trauma Project (Music for Life).
The office was abuzz with excitement as our executive director, Sunelle Fouche, was whisked off to Washington DC, USA to receive the trophy and financial award at a black tie gala evening held at the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel.
The awards were presented in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen of Sweden. Sunelle also attended a pre-gala luncheon where she was delighted to meet Her Majesty as well as a host of other dignitaries including royalty and ambassadors from across the globe. She also had an opportunity to deliver a short presentation about the Music Therapy Community Clinic’s work, which was well received by the guests. As Sunelle commented in a message to everyone back in Cape Town : “I am very proud of us all today!”
Mentor International has also committed to forming a continued relationship with the Music Therapy Community Clinic and we look forward to their input and support, and thank them for recognising the hard work and dedication of the organisation and our commitment to our beneficiaries.