Gala Dinner With Amazing Race Star Phil Keoghan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The New Zealand Embassy is hosting a black tie gala dinner on Thursday night, featuring star of 'The Amazing Race' Phil Keoghan, to raise funds for earthquake relief efforts.

On February 22, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked New Zealand’s second largest city, Christchurch, causing widespread damage and significant loss of life.

The gala dinner will provide an opportunity for invited Americans to contribute to rebuilding efforts.

Former Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Thad Allen, who was in Christchurch when the earthquake struck, will be the special guest of honour – and will deliver an address. Mr Keoghan, who was born near Christchurch, will MC proceedings.

New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, Rt. Hon. Mike Moore, said the response of the American people and government to the earthquake had been heartwarming.

“I have been touched by the sheer generosity and open-heartedness of Americans in responding to the earthquake. The US Government, from President Obama on down, has given us all the assistance we have needed.”

Admiral Allen was one of over 50 senior American political, military and business leaders present in Christchurch on the day of the earthquake, attending the US-NZ Partnership Forum, a conference of US and NZ leaders aimed at promoting closer bilateral political and economic ties.

The gala dinner will be attended by American friends of New Zealand – from such worlds as business, arts and entertainment, politics, science and technology, and agriculture.

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