In spite of the grim economic climate, WWB continued its annual tradition of thanking our friends and supporters. This year's reception took place on November 11th in midtown Manhattan. Clara Akerman, President of WWB Colombia and a WWB trustee, addressed the 100+ guests, sharing stories of her institution's clients and demonstrating how a very small amount of money can truly change lives.

You can hear more about WWB Colombia and its clients at: http://www.youtube.com/user/swwbadmin

The evening was also an opportunity for WWB's volunteer group, The LEADers, to speak about who they are, what they do, and the trip they took to Colombia to visit Clara's institution. LEADer Maureen O'Toole, summed up the experience the best:

"I have followed microfinance for about ten years. I've read books, articles, seen news clips. I was what I would call an armchair tourist. I had never experienced it, for me it was an intellectual experience. I knew about this industry down to every statistic, but I had never felt this industry. So I decided to go with the WWB LEADers to Colombia. I am standing up here tonight to tell you it is one of those real 'Aha!' moments and it is one of those life changing moments where I have gone from being an intellectual participant to now an active advocate. Not only am I supporting actively with my own money, but I am here tonight suggesting that all of you follow in my footsteps. Either take a trip or at the very least continue to financially support a very worthy organization in WWB."