Sunday, August 3, 2014

3rd Annual Edeyo Foundation Gives Hope Ball


The Edeyo Foundation held their 3rd annual Gives Hope Ball at the historic Liberty Theater. I was so excited to have the opportunity to cover this fundamental fundraiser for Haiti.

The evening raised much-needed funds for the Edeyo Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the future for children in Haiti through education.

The gala was hosted by Stephen Baldwin and sponsored by Uptown Magazine, Ciroc, Jet Blue, Soniq Chips and LDV Hospitality.

This fun-filled and colorful evening showcased Edeyo’s charitable programs abroad while exposing guests to the vibrant culture of Haiti. The ticketed evening’s program also included a cocktail hour, gourmet dinner, live auction, special guest musical performances by Grammy Award winning Jazz Guitarist Fabrizio Sotti & Gramm-Award winning recording artist, Melanie Fiona, music & dancing by Donna D. Cruz, and a brief interactive presentation to raise awareness about the mission of the Edeyo Foundation.

I wore a metallic green one shoulder gown from Laundry by Shelli Segal. I couldn’t imagine a more befitting choice for the Edeyo Gives Hope Ball. It was one of the first dresses I tried on and it ended up fitting like it was made just for me. The color was also absolutely perfect for the evening's theme. To complement the look I chose a pair of red and gold earrings by Jill Zarin. 

The Edeyo Foundation is dedicated to improving the future of children in Haiti through education, supplying students with learning materials and providing them with nutritional support. Edeyo in Haitian creole means “Help Them.” Since Edeyo was created in 2007, it has been responsible for the creation and management of a brand new primary school for students in the area of Bel Air in Port au Prince. École Communautaire du Bel-Air Herve Romain Cœur Joyeux (“École du Bel-Air”) currently serves about 220 students per year, all of whom had limited or no access to education until they enrolled in their program.

For more information or to donate, visit www.edeyo.org

 Photo Credit: Rick Matteis

While walking to the upstairs cocktail hour I passed by the beautiful green candlelit tables awaiting guests for the later dinner and presentations.


The evening started with a fabulous cocktail hour promptly at 7pm. I sat down for a bit just to observe the beautiful, fashionable crowd mingling. Most people enjoy people watching at a local park or city but my favorite is seeing people interact in a really glamorous social setting. Cue air kisses!


One of my favorite appetizers was the above tuna tartare. I couldn’t resist to take some every time they passed by! (Yes, it was that good…)


Ciroc provided complimentary cocktails. My favorite was the skinny cosmo and white peach. Soo good! 


A silent auction also took place during the cocktail reception. Items included: One Direction concert package, Canadian resort getaway, 2015 US open golf championship, Silver Oak wine experience, Safari adventure in Kenya, getaway to Paris and many more exciting luxury experiences and items.  


I was thrilled to see two of the most glamorous women I know in NYC, Couture Designer Maggie Norris and Animal Fair's Wendy Diamond. I had the pleasure of interviewing Maggie back in April at her couture showroom. I saw Wendy a few months ago during Fashion 4 Development's fashion week party. It was great to have a chance to catch up with them again.

 

All of the flashbulbs predictively went off as the evening’s celebrity host Stephen Baldwin walked in. He was greeted by Unik Ernest, the co-founder of the Edeyo Foundation. In June 2007, Unik Ernest decided to utilize his birthday to give back. In lieu of gifts, he encouraged guests to dig into their pockets and donate towards a greater cause.


I had a chance to quickly meet Stephen before he had to leave to commence his hosting duties. He looked so dapper and well poised in his suit. His movie star presence was quite palpable.


Guests made their way to take a seat at their assigned dinner tables for the awards ceremony, dinner and live auction part of the evening. 


I went to find my given table 12. It was so exciting to see my name formally printed on the card.


I had the privilege of sitting at the same table as PR Maven Marcy Clark and Fashion Blogger Tracy Davis from www.therightshoesblog.com. Marcy is also on the host committee for the Edeyo Foundation and kindly let me know about the Gives Hope Ball. 


Gala dinner menu included:
Summer Salad: Baby arugala, kalamata olives, English cucumber, watermelon & crumbled feta cheese tossed in a sherry balsamic vinaigrette.


Duo Entre:
Blackened Mahi Mahi with chipotle aioli over Summer succotash
&
Skirt Steak topped with  a chimichurri butter served with a yucca cake


Dessert: 

Chef selection of petit four

Photo Credit: Rick Matteis

A video presentation about the current living conditions in Haiti was showed. There was clearly so much do be done to help the people in Haiti. One part of the video depicted a child describing living in a tiny space with many other members of his family. Their food was being cooked outside in their yard. After describing his living conditions, he went on to say how thankful he was to have a chance to go to school and play outside with the other children. School and education is a beacon of hope for the youth in Haiti.

 

Stephen presented the night’s honorees Bill Lerner founder of Billy4Kids with the Humanitarian Award. The award was accepted by co-founder Alexson Roy and their youth ambassador and model, Morgan O’ Connor

Jordan Lorrius received the Hope Award, Modo Yoga NYC’s Rebecca Foon was presented with the Empowerment Award and Sanford Rubenstein received the Ambassador Award.


The evening concluded with a special performance by Grammy Award winners Fabrizio Sotti and Melanie Fiona and DJ sets by Donna D’Cruz and Nick Cohen.

Thank you so much to Marcy Clark, my lovely PR friend and Edeyo Foundation host committee member for including me in this incredible evening for Haiti. 

Check out their upcoming Hamptons for Haiti benefit coming up on August 9th. Purchase tickets here: bit.ly/HamptonsforHaiti2014




Photo Credit: Rick Matteis


Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis


Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis


Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis
Photo Credit: Rick Matteis

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