FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Dina Horwedel, Public Education Director, 303-426-890

The 2008 Flame of Hope Gala
Raises $400,000 for Student Scholarships

NEW YORK, NY (November 6, 2008) - The 13th Annual Flame of Hope Gala raised $400,000 for American Indian student scholarships.

The program was held at Gotham Hall, a gilded former bank dating back to the turn of the century. CBS Correspondent Hattie Kauffman was the evening's Mistress of Ceremonies.

The program honored Fund supporter Pendleton Woolen Mills for its dedication and loyal support as it gets ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Richard B. Williams, President and CEO of the Fund, wrapped Pendleton President Mort Bishop III in a Pendleton blanket to symbolize the Fund's appreciation and friendship.

Justin Finkbonner, an alumnus of Northwest Indian College and community activist for the Lummi reservation was the alumni speaker for the event. Finkbonner, who detailed his struggles as a youth and his search for meaning which was rewarded in education, works as the Program Coordinator at the Potlatch Fund, a native non-profit organization working to expand philanthropy throughout the Pacific Northwest Tribes and has worked to raise more than $350 million dollars to his tribe, tribal communities, and tribal non-profits over the last eight years without tribal gaming dollars.

The Fund also unveiled its new public service advertisement, which was developed in collaboration with the Portland-based advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy. The new campaign titled “Think Indian!” details ways in which Native knowledge cultivated at tribal colleges and universities is helping to solve modern-day problems.

The Brooklyn-based Redhawk Dance Troop performed several dances for the crowd, culminating in a round dance. Jakob Dylan, front man for the band The Wallflowers, a well-known solo artist, and son of Bob Dylan played several numbers for guests, and was honored for his support of the Fund with a blanket-wrapping.

A silent auction of artisan-made Indian jewelry and art was also held at the event.

The year is not over yet, and with economic challenges ahead, the Fund continues to rely on your generous support to increase its support to American Indian students seeking a higher education.