For anyone who believes that we all benefit from those who went before us, the amazing extravaganza Sandi Young is planning for her "Circle of Life" event at Coachman Farm, on September 20th, will be a must-attend evening. Designed to connect good works, good deeds, good instincts and good will, this will definitely be a Hunt Country evening to remember, and Sandi has invited a group of African leaders to attend who perfectly reflect her sense of what it takes to really make a difference. The difference they and the guests' generosity will make this year will benefit the Ubuntu Education Fund for the children of South Africa.

Founder and President Jacob Lief described the success of the Ubuntu Education Fund as being how deeply the organization reaches each child. Ubuntu translates from the South African as the belief that what makes us human is the humanity we show each other. The word is often used to describe a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.

"We empower vulnerable children and their families with the skills and resources they need to lead healthy, prosperous lives. Our life-saving HIV services and education programs guide 40,000 children through the crises of poverty, disease and abuse." Ubuntu was founded in 1999 in the townships of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, a community composed of tightly clustered shacks with scant public infrastructure where only one-in-five adults is employed and two-in-five are HIV positive.

Recognized as part of the fabric of life in Port Elizabeth, Ubuntu sees the tangible results of thoughtful growth every day. Their investment in people and best practices has produced a replicable model for grassroots-based sustainable development.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who will be honored at the "Circle of Life" event, is also a patron of the Ubuntu Education Fund. "Ubuntu's grassroots programs are sinking down into the people who count," the Archbishop said. "You are not helpless, you are not ciphers that can be manipulated. You are people who can prepare your own thoughts given critical skills. And that is important." Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, played a key role in ending apartheid in South Africa. He is often quoted stressing that it is small funds targeted to real community needs that are often more effective than large financial infusions that often never reach the people who really need help.

"Many large donors lack the on-the-ground knowledge to make their funds effective in the communities that receive them," he said to the Financial Times. Tutu's support of Ubuntu rests on the organization's focus on literacy, technology and health. "We could not possibly work to benefit a more important organization than Ubuntu," Sandi Young explained. "This organization is making it possible for children who would have no chance at all to have a chance to change the world. I am so honored to be able to help them, and I know everyone here will be just as excited about this opportunity."

Known and respected for their strong business principles of accountability, Ubuntu founder and President Banks Gwaxula described how they have developed a blueprint for socially responsible communities. "Our success relies on our commitment to give people the means to improve their own communities," Gwaxula emphasized. "Given the needed tools, support and counseling, there is nothing these individuals cannot do for themselves," Sandi said.

Lebo M

Lebo Morake, the Grammy Award winning singer better known as Lebo M, is the voice and spirit of The Lion King. He will join the Duke Ellington School of Music Alumni Choir to entertain guests at the "Circle of Life" event. Lebo M, an alumni of the Duke Ellington School, is well known for his performances with Elton John, James Brown and many, many others. "He's absolutely wonderful," Young said. "It gives me goose bumps to know he'll be here with the Duke Ellington Alumni Choir to sing "Circle of Life."

The Oscar nominated choral master is also a true humanitarian recently launched Till Dawn Entertainment, an organization that aims to create an infrastructure for the development of the emerging South African entertainment industry. The new group promotes global output of new South African quality talent.

Well known for the poetry he wrote for Bruce Willis' movie, "Tears of the Sun," Lebo M is a native of South Africa who was first recognized for his work on The Lion King during the fall of apartheid. It was Lebo M who first brought the insatiable spirit of Nelson Mandela, characterized as The Lion King, who returns after a 27-year prison sentence to his country, or Pride Rock, to dispel the oppression.

After a childhood in the notorious ghetto of Soweto, it is no mistake that this profound story of overcoming all obstacles has become an entire life's work for him. "It is simply impossible to describe Lebo M's talent and commitment to his country," Sandi explained. "When you meet him here and listen to him sing, you'll understand immediately who he is so powerful and how he has been able to focus the world's attention on what is needed in South Africa. He is, without doubt, a true life force. We are all grateful to have an opportunity to help him."

Anyone who knows Sandi Young will understand how seriously she believes in Ubuntu and how important it is that those who can help this cause have an opportunity to do so. Sitting with her in the truly unique cottage at her farm where she organizes her annual African benefit, it is impossible not to understand that she is every bit as dedicated to her friends and colleagues in Hunt Country as she is to the support and development of South Africa.

"I'm so excited about the wonderful things we can help make happen through this benefit this year," she said. "It will be a spectacular evening, but the many good things that will receive support because of our generosity will ensure that our spirits join the Circle of Life and make a difference far beyond what we could do on our own."

For more information, please visit CircleOfLifeGala.com