New York, NY (March 15, 2010) -- On March 11, 2010, more than 350 people came together to raise more than $15,000 for Saving Mothers, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide by providing maternal health care and education to women and their medical providers. The guest list included physicians, nurses and midwives, and philanthropic supporters from throughout the NYC metro area.

This was the organization's first annual benefit, held at the elegant NYC lounge, The Gates, and sponsored by Drops Fill Buckets, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for important causes around the world.

All proceeds raised from the event will directly fund the collection of medical supplies. such as surgical headlamps and cystoscopes. This much-needed surgical equipment is often expensive and difficult to acquire. Due to the generous support of the benefit's attendees, women in Guatemala and Liberia will gain access to vital obstetric and gynecological care.

"Surgical headlamps are imperative for operating in the developing world. Many hospitals don't have access to adequate resources and lighting in the operating rooms are minimal if available at all. In fact, you might be in the middle of surgery and the hospital lights go off entirely. This is a very dangerous situation for both the surgeon and patient. Without proper lighting we really can't take care of women," said Dr. Taraneh Shirazian, medical director of Saving Mothers and a faculty ob-gyn at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Funds from the event will also go toward Saving Mothers' medical programs. Currently, Saving Mothers connects obstetrician-gynecologists from the United States to provide clinical care to underserved women. Local traditional birth attendants in these regions also benefit from Saving Mothers' training outreach and resources such as the organization's birthing kits distribution program.

"Guatemala has the second highest maternal mortality rate in the Americas and Liberia has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world," said Nichole Young-Lin, president of Saving Mothers, "Unlike HIV/AIDS, we can prevent these deaths by giving women access to basic maternal health equipment and skilled care."

Currently, all of Saving Mothers' programs are funded through donations from individuals and fundraising events. The nonprofit's team members and board of directors work on a voluntary basis, ensuring that the money contributed to the organization directly benefits mothers in need.

About Saving Mothers

Saving Mothers is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to women's health, education and empowerment. Through training, public health initiatives and research, Saving Mothers aims to provide women and their health care providers with the necessary tools and education to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. For additional information please visit http://www.savingmothers.org. Obstetrician-gynecologists looking to volunteer abroad can contact Dr. Taraneh Shirazian at: tshirazian@savingmothers.org.

About Drops Fill Buckets

Drops Fill Buckets is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for pressing needs around the globe. It is committed to the principles of low overhead and member's choice, and fundraises only for specific, tangible causes.

NEW YORK — Every minute, a woman dies from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications in the developing world. To battle this epidemic, Saving Mothers, a new non-profit focused on maternal health, provides women and traditional birth attendants with education and resources needed to encourage healthy deliveries. The organization promotes women’s health, education and empowerment through medical education, training and public health initiatives at home and abroad.