HOLIDAY RELIEF FOR HAITI
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Tis’ the season to rejoice in the gift of giving. That was exactly the spirit earlier this month when Bovet 1822 (a Swiss “Maison” of luxury timepieces) owner, Mr. Pascal Raffy, participated in a holiday gala celebration for Artists For Peace & Justice on December 12, 2013, in New York City.
The main mission on this festive evening was to bring people together to support fund raising efforts to create positive change for the future through education for children in Haiti. It was a gala filled with shining stars. Donna Karan, Susan Sarandon, Daniel Craig, Heather Graham and renowned artist Chuck Close were just some of the distinguished guests and strong advocates.
In partnership, Bovet 1822 and Artists For Peace & Justice raised over $700,000 in this one evening alone. It was an overwhelming accomplishment for the good of others whom are less fortunate.
Mr. Pascal Raffy and friend Paul Haggis, Oscar award winning film director and founder of Artists For Peace & Justice, also announced the continuation of a beautiful partnership which had already raised over $1,800,000 this year. Five years since its foundation, Artists For Peace & Justice has built Haiti’s largest free high school and first free vocational college, providing over 2,200 underprivileged children the opportunity to continue their education beyond fifth grade. Committed to continuing these efforts toward a brighter future, BOVET 1822 is pleased to announce a minimum five year partnership with APJ.
In February of 2014, it will be two years since Bovet 1822 decided to come to the forefront as main supporting sponsor for the organization and its pre-Oscar Hollywood event. The Swiss “Maison” continues to be the leading sponsor ever since. In February 2013, Raffy raised an unprecedented $600,000 at an organizational event.
In September of 2013, Bovet was right there in Toronto for a fund-raising luncheon and raised $500,000 at that time. Upon collection of that amount, the magical number of $1,800,000 was attained for the year.
The children of Haiti are extremely grateful for the overflowing generosity. Unbelievable as it may seem, more than 50% of Haitians live in extreme poverty. Education is hard to come by and is almost nonexistent. College is a dream that few can achieve. The unemployment rate in Haiti is over 70%. Medical care is not easily received and only 1/3 of the population have access to sanitary facilities and running water. Only 10% even have electricity.
Artists For Peace & Justice is like a beacon of promise and already the nonprofit organization has moved mountains of obstacles. In 2014 there are three events planned so the future is beginning to look so much brighter. Artists For Peace & Justice are jointly committed to directing art towards its oldest cause – that of serving education and future generations. The dedicated organization is committed for the long-term in an effort to bring about sustainable development in Haiti. Their model empowers local communities, fosters economic growth and hopes to bring change through education.
PHOTOS Courtesy of Ana Martins Communications
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