November, 2009 (New York). At its Fourth Annual Gala at The Ballroom at The Prince George Hotel in New York City, COHH presented its Hope Award to Debevoise & Plimpton, Dewey & LeBoeuf , Greenberg Traurig  and to Christine Kim and Jay Chang. The Gala was held for the fourth year to help raise funds for developing and operating an orphanage in Hinche, Haiti for two hundred children. The Hope Award, introduced at the Inaugural Gala, was given to the honorees in recognition of their ongoing support of COHH and their contributions to the underprivileged at home and abroad, consistent with the mission of COHH.

The gala was attended by guests from across the country and included corporate, legal and local community representation. “You have demonstrated your commitment and compassion for children in a land where hope is hard to find – my home country of Haiti”, said Pastor St. Juste to the honorees. “The children of Haiti are the hope for the future of Haiti. Our mission is to bring a dream alive with the completion of our orphanage project and commencement of operations” he continued. “Thank you for your help in achieving our mission.”

The evening was a festive occasion, featuring a silent art auction and Haitian jazz music. The highlight of the evening were the performances by the Youth Choir of the French-Speaking Baptist Church of Stamford of the COHH theme song (in French) “Marche dans la Lumiére” and the Gospel hymn, “Excellent Is Thy Name.” James and Nancy Lipscomb, Dinner Co-Chairs, concluded the evening with a special Hope Award presentation to Maurice DuBois. In accepting his Award, Mr. Dubois said, “Although I am not Haitian, I am pleased to have been asked to be part of this evening’s program. Our children are our future. I encourage your continued support of the work of the Center of Hope (Haiti) in Haiti.”