KOCHI:
The Face Foundation, led by Prof. M.K Sanu, has announced the FACE International Charity Award to American social and philanthropist Dr. Jacob Eapen in celebration of the foundation’s thirteenth anniversary. The prestigious global charity award, which includes one lakh rupees, a plaque, and a citation, will be presented at a ceremony in Kochi on January 13.
Dr. Jacob Eapen, also the Vice President of FOKANA, an association of Malayalees in North America, has made significant contributions throughout his career. Retiring as the medical director after thirty years at California’s largest public health system, Alameda Health Systems, Dr. Eapen is a graduate of Stanford University and the University of California. His service includes a role at the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, overseeing 60,000 Indo-Chinese refugees. Notably, he is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, awarded to only a select few, including six US Presidents.
Street food vlogger Abdul Hakeem, known for promoting street vendors and individuals making a living through cooking at home, and Dr. Grace Thomas, who has provided free medical treatment for 25 years, will also be honored at the event. Abdul Hakeem, a vlogger for five years, is recognized as the “vlogger of the poor” on social media.
The award ceremony will be inaugurated by Dr. Mahantesh Ghattivalappa Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and Founder Managing Trustee of Bengaluru Samarthanam Trust. Justice P.N. Ravindran will felicitate the awardee, and Kochi Mayor M. Anil Kumar will be the chief guest. Om Bachu, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of IBM Business Partner Guild Systems, will also grace the occasion.
The Face Foundation, in its thirteen years of operation, has been actively engaged in charitable activities, including daily food donations and projects like Akshaya Paatram and VasthraNidhi. The foundation has fed around 15 lakh people, providing food, educational materials during disasters, and contributing significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
