The Circles of Light Gala is the signature fundraising event of the United Religions Initiative (URI). Our gala begins with a beautiful invocation led by members of different faiths followed by dinner, wonderful speakers and dancing. Every year we are delighted to honor remarkable individuals and inspire countless people to give generously to further URI’s work to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, justice and healing. In the past we have honored:

2004   William K. Bowes, Jr, founder of U.S. Venture Partners

2005   Rita Semel, former Chair of URI’s Global Council

2006   Charles Wilson, Chair of the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) and URI Emeritus Trustee

William Rankin, President of GAIA

Jones Laviwa, Executive Director of Churches’ Action in Relief and Development, GAIA Field Officer for Southern Malawi and URI Cooperation Circle Leader

2007   Richard N. Goldman, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund and Goldman Environmental Foundation

If you would like more information about our annual fundraising gala, please contact Melissa Lago at URI’s Global Support Office (415) 561-2300 ext. 18 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .