<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia held its annual Consular Gala on Friday, May 12, 2006 at 7p.m. at the Union League in Philadelphia. Three area leaders in international affairs were honored. They were Mr. Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers , Joanna Savvides, President of the Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, and Hon. Oliver St. Clair Franklin, President of International House of Philadelphia and Honorary Consul of the United Kingdom. This year’s honorees represent varied professions that impact on international relations and development. Mr. Samuel Dalembert, recipient of the 2006 Global Leadership in Humanitarianism Award, is a member of the Philadelphia 76ers . His philanthropy and humanitarianism have benefited more than a 1,000 children per year in America, Venezuela and his native land of Haiti. Ms. Joanna Savvides, recipient of the 2006 Global Leadership in Business Award, is Founding President of the Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. Since its inception in 2002, the World Trade Center has provided services to 500 companies per year, hosted over 150 professional seminars, and produced $150 million in export sales by area companies. The Honorable Oliver St. Clair Franklin, 2006 recipient of the Global leadership in Education Award, is President of International House of Philadelphia and also serves as the Honorary Consul of the United Kingdom. He has been involved in international affairs over 30 years, serving on state and local governmental levels, as well as in the private sector international banking and investment arenas. Under his leadership, International House of Philadelphia has become the nexus between international culture and international business. Ms. Marciarose Shestack, a nationally acclaimed journalist, was the Mistress of Ceremonies. International entertainment will include the Hellenic Dance Group and the Villanova Taiko Drumming Group. Proceeds from the event will benefit the educational programs of the Corps which include the Bodine High School for International Affairs, the Model United Nations Program, and study abroad programs for area high school students. The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia is the oldest association of foreign diplomats in the United States, dating back to 1880. Thirty-two countries are now represented by Consuls General or Consuls in Philadelphia. In alphabetical order, these countries are: Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Finland, France, Federal Republic of Germany, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Republic of Liberia, Madagascar, Mexico, Moldova, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Foreign Consuls are significant contributors to the region’s status as an International Center for development, cultural and educational exchanges, and humanitarian aid.</div> http://www.nba.com/sixers/community/dalembert_060509.html
