Houston Supports a World without FGM
February 7, 2015
Houstonians braved the rainy weather to support Muir Fine Art Gallery’s “Cinema, Canvas & Cuisine.” Benefiting Valvisions Foundation, the event kicked off at Studio Movie Grill with continental breakfast and a screening of the internationally acclaimed “HEALING MAGDALENE,” followed by an art exhibit at Muir, featuring work by renowned artist Tom duBois, and delicious cuisine provided by Eddie V’s.
Inspired by the personal experiences of a woman who continues to suffer from the scarring and emotional trauma caused by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Donna L. Valverde of Valvisions Foundation, created “HEALING MAGDALENE” to raise awareness about FGM, a practice that continues in some parts of the world. More than 125 million girls and women alive today have been “cut,” with as many as 2 million suffering through the procedure each year.
David Winans Jr., eldest brother of the Grammy-award winning gospel family, The Winans, was in Houston to support the cause. He introduced his song, “Find the Water,” with Christie Love on vocals. At the event, the Dancers In White performed to the song which was choreographed by Lauren Burke (far right in photo). “Find the Water” speaks to the plight of the African girls who are fleeing their homes in Africa to find a better life.
CJ Alvarez and John Lockhart, Jennifer Brown, Mia Pham, Dr. Alexandra Simotas, and Christie Love also attended.
For more information about Valvisions Foundation and “Cinema, Canvas & Cuisine,” watch https://vimeo.com/119592376
Photos by Roswitha Vogler
Media Contact:
Rashena Flagg,
713.301.4577