The Starkey Hearing Foundation has announced that its 15th Annual So the World May Hear Awards Gala helped raise more than $9 million to bring hearing health care to people in need around the world. Hosted by the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s founder and Starkey Hearing Technologies CEO William F. Austin and Foundation co-founder Tani Austin, the event brought together professional athletes, supporters, celebrities, two former presidents, and more than 1,600 guests at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on Sunday, July 26.

The evening honored individuals and organizations who devote their time and service to helping others, including 43rd President George W. Bush, No Limits, Delta Zeta Sorority, who pledged to donate $5 million over the next five years. Highlights of the evening included a celebrity red carpet event, a live auction, and inspirational speeches by William F. Austin, 43rd President George W. Bush, and 42nd President Bill Clinton, among others.

The evening entertainment included performances by music stars Katy Perry, Jessica Sanchez, Matt Nathanson, Gene Simmons, 2CELLOS, and Portia Clark.

Source: The Starkey Foundation; Starkey Hearing Technologies

Photo caption: Pictured left to right at the 2015 So the World May Hear Awards Gala are 42nd President of the United States, William J. Clinton, with Starkey CEO and Founder, William F. Austin, and 43rd President of the United States, William W. Bush.