DALLAS, TX--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 17, 2008 -- HELPS International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare, education, and economic development in Latin America, has announced that it will host Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico, and his wife, former First Lady of Mexico, Marta Sahagun Fox, for its 2008 Gala: "An Intimate Conversation About Latin America." The 2008 HELPS International Gala is being presented by Punta Brava -- a private golf and ocean club south of Ensenada, Mexico by The Flagship Group, which will include the first oceanfront golf course designed by Tiger Woods. The gala will be held on Friday, November 14, 2008, at Bent Tree Country Club (5201 Westgrove Drive) in Dallas.

Source: HELPS International
HELPS INTERNATIONAL HOSTS 'AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION ABOUT LATIN AMERICA' WITH FORMER PRESIDENT OF MEXICO, VICENTE FOX ·  HELPS International ·  Punta Brava

The 2008 Gala, chaired by Victor Almeida and Karin Larrave, will feature a Q&A with President Fox on the issues of poverty in Latin America and the programs that are helping to improve the situation across United States borders. President Fox will share his vision for a new, sustainable, and prosperous Latin America and how the creation of a stable state there can impact the entire hemisphere.

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Westlake Mayor Laura Wheat will be guests of honor at the gala dinner. Proceeds from the event will go to HELPS International to support its critical work to improve the quality of life for the people of Latin America. Tables of 10 are $5,000 and may be purchased by calling 214-886-9830 or by visiting the HELPS International Web site at www.helpsintl.org.

"HELPS International takes an integrated approach to reducing poverty and bringing hope to the many people in the world locked in the struggle for mere survival," says Stephen W. Miller, President of HELPS International. "We hope the public will join us on November 14th to meet former President Fox and learn more about the importance of changing people's lives in Latin America."

The Flagship Group, whose founders include Texas businessmen and development veterans Red McCombs, Oman and Hal Jones, announced Punta Brava in early October 2008. Brady Oman, chairman of The Flagship Group and developer of Punta Brava added, "We're pleased to support an important event that helps raise awareness and solutions for the issues faced in Latin America. Our commitment at The Flagship Group is to create places that make a soft imprint on the earth, yet a powerful impact on the individual. Our support for HELPS International is one way we can help fulfill this."

HELPS International's outreach in Latin America includes: sending medical teams to establish hospitals and outpatient clinics; training local healthcare providers; providing its world famous ONIL stoves in homes to prevent burns from open-flame cooking; providing potable water supplies; enhancing education through training teachers; funding economic development programs; providing agricultural technical support and loans for rural farmers, among other efforts.

The major sponsors for the Gala are: Interceramic, North Western Mutual, Citibank, American Airlines and Dillon Gage. For more information on HELPS International and the 2008 HELPS International GALA with President Fox, please contact Michelle Hollaender at 214-886-9830 or visit the Web site at www.helpsintl.org.

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