On September 25, 2024, the Vaclav Havel Center (VHC) and BBLA hosted their annual fundraising gala, Bridge for Hope, at the Bohemian National Hall in New York. This extraordinary evening was made possible with the support of the NU AVE ART team, led by our Founder and Artistic Director, Jana Krupkova. Congratulations are also in order for Jana, who was appointed Interim Executive Director of the Vaclav Havel Center this May!
The evening was a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of collective action. Distinguished winners and presenters inspired the audience with moving speeches, reminding us all of the impact we can have on the world.
Here are the honorees and their well-deserved awards:
✨ VHC Disturbing the Peace Award (joint winners):
Toomaj Salehi: A courageous Iranian rapper and political dissident, recognized for his commitment to speaking out against oppression. Human rights attorney Caoilfhionn Gallagher accepted the award on his behalf, delivering a powerful tribute to Salehi’s dedication to justice and freedom.
Arundhati Roy: Celebrated Indian author and activist renowned for her unwavering advocacy on critical social issues. Her award was accepted by Anthony Arnove, who highlighted her influential voice in the global fight for justice.
✨ VHC Lifetime Achievement Award:
Peter Gabriel: The legendary musician and humanitarian received this honor for his lifelong contributions to music and peacebuilding. Presented by renowned artist Laurie Anderson, the award celebrated Gabriel’s enduring impact on creativity and social change.
✨ BBLA Unparalleled Service to the Czech and Slovak Communities:
Martina Navratilova: The tennis icon was honored for her relentless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her support for the Czech and Slovak communities. Martina Forman presented the award, recognizing Navratilova’s enduring commitment to empowerment and social progress.
Photo Credit: Bruce Bybee and Katerina Dvorakova-Mankova
As Václav Havel once said:
“Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.”
The gala was a celebration of hope and action, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to make it a night to remember. To all the honorees, presenters, and attendees: thank you for inspiring us with your dedication and for sharing this unforgettable evening.
Here’s to the power of community and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow. 💙🥂
