Common Ground Honors IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff At Annual Celebrating Home Gala

Media Advisory: IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff and Governor David Paterson honored with Celebrating Home Award at NYC Common Ground Gala

WHAT: The innovative and ground-breaking non-profit Common Ground hosts its 7th Annual Gala honoring Governor David Paterson and IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff.

WHEN: Thursday, February 5, 6:30 PM Doors Open, 7:30PM Program Start

WHERE: Cipriani, 110 East 42nd Street (between 2nd and 3rd), New York City

SUMMARY: Founded by Rosanne Haggerty in 1990, Common Ground is a pioneer in the development of innovative, long-term solutions to end homelessness. Through its unique network of affordable housing, financial, and employment services, Common Ground has enabled over 4,000 individuals to regain their economic independence and overcome homelessness. With the launch of the Montrose Project, Common Ground began focusing on ending homelessness among the veteran population. Founder Rosanne Haggerty has been a long time supporter of IAVA with the collaborative goal of helping veterans to get back on their feet after transitioning home from service.

The Common Ground Gala raises funds for affordable housing programs while honoring those who have devoted their lives to the pursuit of social justice.

WHO: Paul Rieckhoff is the Founder and Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org). Founded in 2004, IAVA is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Rieckhoff is the author of Chasing Ghosts, a critically acclaimed account of his experiences in Iraq and activism on behalf of veterans, published in May 2006. He is a nationally recognized speaker on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and veterans' issues in this country.  He has been featured on countless news programs and publications nationwide, including the New York Times, MSNBC, CNN, NPR, The Washington Post, and PBS.

For more information visit, www.commonground.org.

RSVP: This event is OPEN to the press.  To arrange an interview before or after the Gala with IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, please contact Michael Houston at 212-982-9699 or michael@iava.org.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the country's first and largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and has more than 125,000 veteran members and civilian supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of this country's newest generation of veterans and their families.