“To achieve a more just and prosperous world, men and women must work together to realize the full rights of women and girls. Investing in women and girls transforms communities and can heal the world — and that’s why I am so committed Tahirih’s mission.”
— Rainn Wilson
You may know him from his comedic roles on TV shows “Backstrom” and “The Office.” Or maybe you’re one of the millions of people who follow his laugh-out-loud Twitter commentary.
On Sept. 26, Rainn Wilson will show Houston another side.
The award-winning actor, producer, and humanitarian will host our special evening of celebration as the Master of Ceremonies at Tahirih’s 4th Annual Houston Gala, “The Goodfellas: Recognizing the Critical Role of Men in Ending Violence Against Women.”
The celebration takes places at The Houstonian Hotel, and we hope you can join us.
This year’s gala will celebrate the crucial role men play in ending violence against women and girls and pay tribute to courageous immigrant women and girls who have rejected violence in their communities.
Achieving equality between men and women is a cause close to Wilson’s heart.
“To achieve a more just and prosperous world, men and women must work together to realize the full rights of women and girls. Investing in women and girls transforms communities and can heal the world — and that’s why I am so committed Tahirih’s mission,” the actor said.
Wilson is a three-time Emmy nominated entertainer who has reached millions globally through his memorable film and television performances. In 2012, Wilson and his media company SoulPancake partnered with actor Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer Entertainment to create the award-winning Web series “My Last Days.”
The show, which documents the inspirational last days of people who are terminally ill, has gone on to become one of the most watched online documentary series. Wilson also partnered with Oprah Winfrey in 2013 to create a heartwarming SoulPancake series on the meaning of love.
“Tahirih is extremely honored to welcome Rainn Wilson as our emcee at this year’s gala,” said Tahirih Founder and Executive Director Layli Miller-Muro.
“Rainn Wilson will not only help us shed a light on the heroic women and girls that inspire our mission, but will also share the inspiring stories of the many volunteer attorneys, medical professionals, and interpreters who make our work possible,” Miller-Muro said.
Tahirih protects courageous immigrant women and girls who refuse to be victims of violence, with offices in Houston, Baltimore, and Greater DC. Women and girls served at Tahirih reject unthinkable violence, including rape, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, human trafficking, honor crimes, and forced marriage.
In 2014 alone, Tahirih provided more than 700 women and children in the Houston area with free legal and social services. The gala is critical to Tahirih’s ability to continue to provide free services to hundreds of clients in the Houston community every year, and each gala guest is vital to meeting that goal.
“By the time our clients arrive at our doors, they are already heroes. We are so honored to serve them so that they can rebuild their lives in the wake of violence and become stable members of our community,” said Anne Chandler, the Director of Tahirih’s office in Houston.
For more information about this year’s gala and to purchase your tickets to the celebation, please visit www.tahirih.org/HoustonGala.
MEDIA CONTACT: Marlena Hartz | 571-282-6193 | [email protected]
