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Best-Selling Author Greg Mortenson to Speak About Building Schools to Promote Peace Through Books, Not Bombs

Mortenson, the featured speaker at his Central Asia Institute's gala event, will be joined by popular "Ugly Betty" actress, America Ferrera, an avid supporter of Mortenson's mission. Mortenson is a former mountain climber who literally fell into his life's work building schools in the rural areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan after becoming lost while scaling Pakistan's K2.

The Central Asia Institute's (a 501c3) "Promoting Literacy ... Promoting Peace" Gala will be held Saturday, April 3, 7-10 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, Ill. The gala features a private reception opportunity with Ferrera and Mortenson, Pakistani cuisine, live musical entertainment from Pakistan and auction items including a private pastry lesson with Chef Gale Gand. Tickets prices start at $150 and all participants will receive a copy of Mortenson's new book, Stones into Schools. Proceeds from the event will go toward building and sustaining schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Seating is limited and reservations can be made at http://www.ikat.org/cai-annual-fundraiser or by calling 630-929-3592.

Since 1996, Mortenson's not-for-profit Central Asia Institute has established 137 schools serving 58,000 children in the remotest regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. His first book, Three Cups of Tea, #1 on the New York Times best-seller list for more than 130 weeks, has sold more than 4 million copies in 41 countries and has become required reading for many military personnel now serving in Afghanistan, including General Petraeus. In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, Mortenson was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 and again in 2009.

Mortenson also founded the Pennies for Peace program, an international service-learning program embraced by 4,000 schools that have raised more than $100 million in pennies.

For gala details, visit www.ikat.org/cai-annual-fundraiser or contact Sadia Ashraf at sadia@ikat.org or 630.999.2099.

For best photo, visit https://www.ikat.org/wp-content/gallery/photos/khandayschool.jpg or visit photo gallery: https://www.ikat.org/media-and-press/image-gallery/

SOURCE Central Asia Institute