Whole Planet's Pre-Grammy Benefit 2017 at Nightclub OHM in Hollywood

Photos by Karen Ostlund

La Santa Cecilia

Last Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, Whole Planet Foundation, Clamorhouse and other valued partners honored Olowo-n'djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde, co-founders of Alaffia, for alleviating poverty in Togo and around the globe.
 The celebration took place at Whole Planet Foundation's biennial pre-GRAMMY benefit, which was  held at OHM Nightclub in Los Angeles.

The Reluctant Apostles featuring Katey Sagal and Chris Assaa

Jessica Childress

GRAMMY-nominated artists  La Santa Cecilia, and Rene Marie performed at the benefit along with Jessica Childress, The Reluctant Apostles featuring Katey Sagal, Chris Assaad and Givers and Takers. Celebrity hosts included drummer/producer Vince Wilburn Jr. (Miles Davis Estate).

Alaffia, an organization based in Olympia, WA, empowers West African communities to become sustainable through the fair trade of indigenous resources and the sale of handcrafted body care products. Olowo-n'djo and Rose encourage empowerment through Alaffia's community projects, women's cooperatives, education, and involvement in their local communities.

Whole Planet's buffet, vegan and organic

Since 2006, Alaffia has funded 4,463 births, planted 57,575 trees, donated 7,482 bicycles to Togolese students, built ten schools, and provided school supplies to 32,842 students. "The only things that are certain is that my life will be forever sacrificed for the empowerment of all disadvantaged people, and that even if Alaffia was to disappear today from the face of the earth, the support and the opportunities that each and every one of you have given us over the years has profoundly impacted my communities for generations to come," said Olowo-n'djo Tchala, co-founder.

Alaffia is a top donor to Whole Planet Foundation's global microfinance programs in 69 countries including Togo and the United States, "Given the first average developing world loan size of $184, Alaffia's donation of $200,000 to the Foundation has created more than 5,775 opportunities for impoverished entrepreneurs and their family members to live a better life.

Olowo-n'djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde, co-founders of Alaffia

 "We are proud to honor Alaffia for their trailblazing impact in Olowo-n'djo's native Togo and abroad, and to be joined by this year's generous event sponsors like truRoots to raise funds for global poverty alleviation," said Joy Stoddard, executive development and outreach director of Whole Planet Foundation.

Proceeds from the evening went directly to Whole Planet Foundation, a Whole Foods Market non-profit, to fund microcredit loans to provide the world's poorest entrepreneurs with the opportunity to create home-based businesses for the chance to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. To date, Whole Planet Foundation has disbursed $61 million in micro-lending programs, funding 1.75 million micro-credit loans for micro-entrepreneurs, 88%women, in 69 countries.

Sambazon Acai shakes

The event was supported by Presenting Sponsor truRoots and Community Leader Sambazon. Foundation Partners were BluePrint Organic, Cedar's Mediterranean Foods, City National Bank, Saffron Road, SeaSnax, Lifeway Kefir, Lily's Sweets, PopChips, prAna, and VOSS Water.
Event Supporters included Coyo, Harmless Harvest, Health-Ade Kombucha, Justin's, KeVita Sparkling Probiotic Drinks, NadaMoo, Playing for Change Foundation, Rishi Tea and Volvic.
                                           

Whole Planet's Drink Menu

 Event Contributors included Cabo Chips, Castor & Pollux, Doctor Kracker, Greyston Bakery, Heavenly Organics, KIND Bar, Madécasse Chocolate, MS Event Production, Navitas Naturals, Papyrus-Recycled Greetings, Planet LA Records, Purely Elizabeth, Putumayo, Rhythm Superfoods, Scarlette Bartending and The Seaweed Bath Co. wholeplanetfoundation.org

Nada moo! frozen yoghurt

Lifeway frozen Kefir float