Jewel Performs At Voss Foundation luncheon

By:  Hope Wilkos, Writer

 

Friday, November 6, 2015, brought with it a variety of celebrities, entertainers, musicians and philanthropists, who came together for the Voss Foundation 6th Annual Women Helping Women

luncheon. They joined together all bound for the Stephan Weiss Studio, located at 711 Greenwich Street in New York City.

Warmth filled the venue as the benefit successfully raised over $107,000 to fund the water and sanitation infrastructure for Good Future Hope Foundation’s five new homes which will provide safe accommodations to homeless children and orphans in the Nakisunga region of Uganda. It was a magnificent showing with over 2oo guests, all of whom dined amongst the rustic décor and vibrant floral centerpieces as the afternoon’s Mistress of Ceremonies- writer, producer, author- Susan Fales-Hill, engaged  the crowd,  sharing stories and encouraging guests to donate “at least what they spent on their last outfit” for this worthy cause.

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Atmosphere==
Voss Foundation Women Helping Women Annual Luncheon==
Stephan Weiss Studio, NYC==
November 5, 2015==
©Patrick McMullan==
Photo – Jared Siskin/ PMC==
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JewelAttendsVossLuncheon

The real treat of the afternoon was not only honoring such outstanding women as Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway; Magatte Wade, CEO and Founder of Tiossan; Robert (Tenny) and Kimberly Field, Philanthropist as well as  Jewel, with the presentation of a hand-made beaded walking-stick from Samburu, Kenya  used by nomadic pastoralist, but attendees were in for an exceptional performance from Jewel herself.

 

Jewel has been gifted with many talents; singer-songwriter, author and philanthropist. One of the greatest credits to her name is the founding of Project Clean Water, a non-profit charity foundation devoting itself to improving the quality of life for millions all across the globe by providing clean water.  As Jewel stepped up to the podium, she recounted her experiences growing up in Alaska and battling illness while homeless in Los Angeles, followed by a two song performance: Hands from her 1998 album, Spirit as well as Mercy from her recently released album Picking Up The Pieces.

It was certainly an influential group of attendees which included Daniela Anastasio Bardazzi, Simon Doonan, Clionda Egan, Sophie Elgort, Susan Fales-Hill, Kara Gerson, Angelina Jolin, Christine Mack, Edris Nichols, Oluchi Orlandi, Sanjay Rawal, Tracy Reese, Rori Sassoon, Suzanne Scott Pepperdine, Jane Sutherland, and Latham Thomas.

Christine Mack==
Voss Foundation Women Helping Women Annual Luncheon==
Stephan Weiss Studio, NYC==
November 5, 2015==
©Patrick McMullan==
Photo – Jared Siskin/ PMC==
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Prior to the luncheon, there was a cocktail hour, not only for some catching up to take place, but for guests to browse and shop the foundation’s celebrated African Bazaar, which sells artisanal handmade jewelry, scarves, baskets, and toys purchased directly from communities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Liberia, Swaziland, and Uganda where the organization works.

 

Cliffton Dry, Etienne Aigner, Mama Glow, Modern Luxury MANHATTAN, PTL Events, Studio3, Urban Zen, and VOSS Artesian Water all graciously gave their support for such a delightful afternoon. The luncheon has become a tradition over the years and it was certainly an indication of more great work to come for the Voss Foundation and Women Helping Women.