Special Events

Each year, International House organizes at least one special event to raise funds for the core resources and services that today’s residents rely on to make the most of their I. House experiences. Resident scholarships, leadership training activities, visiting speaker programs and other international community-building initiatives are all supported by the generous donors who participate in these events.

The House’s signature special event, the Harry Edmonds Awards Gala, is held once every two years and recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals and corporations committed to advancing cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. The 85th Anniversary Harry Edmonds Gala was held at New York’s Rainbow Room high atop Rockefeller Center on May 11, 2009 and paid tribute to I. House Board Chairman Paul A. Volcker, Life Trustee John French, III, Alumnus Ibrahim Gambari '71 and longtime supporter Mitsui & Co (USA) Inc. and Mitsui USA Foundation. More than 200 guests participated in the event, which raised nearly $400,000.

             


Past special events have included panel discussions featuring distinguished political and business leaders, silent auctions at the famed Christie’s auction house, theatre benefits on Broadway, golf tournaments and more. In 2008, International House's Spring Benefit with Fareed Zakaria and Paul Volcker raised over $150,000.