CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta was honored for his dedication to humanitarian causes at the Americares Airlift Benefit on Oct. 5 in Stamford.
— an announcement from Americares
Dr. Gupta reflected on his years of reporting from the front lines of disasters and health crises around the world saying he is always in awe to see neighbors, who despite their own difficult situation, help others.
“I’ve seen people in really terrible situations and utter despair who are just good people. People just rise up, people just fundamentally take care of each other,” Dr. Gupta said in his acceptance speech. “It feels good to do good.”
Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Americares
Erica Hill, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Michael J. Nyenhuis and Tony Goldwyn at the 2019 Americares Airlift Benefit at Westchester County Airport on Oct. 5, 2019 in White Plains, New York
Dr. Gupta was the recipient of the Bob and Leila Macauley Humanitarian Spirit Award, which honors outstanding individuals who exemplify extraordinary courage and commitment to humanitarian endeavors and use their talents, influence and inventiveness to make a difference.
Hosted by actor, director, producer and Americares board member Tony Goldwyn and CNN Anchor and national correspondent Erica Hill, and featuring a special performance by actor and musician Jackie Cruz, the event raised over $2.8 million for the health-focused relief organization.
More than 800 guests attended the fundraiser at Westchester County Airport, celebrating 40 years of Americares health programs for people affected by poverty or disaster.
The inspirational evening culminated with a spectacular sendoff as a group of supporters embarked on a 24-hour journey to see Americares work — the work they support — firsthand. This year, guests traveled to the Dominican Republic, where Americares supports over 100 health facilities including hospitals and health centers.
Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies.
Since its founding 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $17 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States.