New York, NY -- On Tuesday, December 11, 2012,
Happy Hearts
Fund (HHF),
Petra Nemcova and special guest Carlos Slim
hosted the 2012 Happy Hearts Fund Land of Dreams: Mexico
Gala at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City where a
partnership between The Carlos Slim Foundation and Happy
Hearts Fund was announced. The partnership will rebuild
schools in Mexico beginning in Veracruz. Founded by Petra
Nemcova is 2006, Happy Hearts Fund is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring
hope and opportunity in the lives of children after natural
disaster. Happy Hearts Fund works during the period after
emergency response is complete, implementing sustainable
practices to ensure a lasting impact.
As guests entered the Metropolitan Pavilion they were given
a 'passport' and greeted by flight attendants who invited
them to be transported to cities throughout Mexico visually
and artistically for a unique and interactive sensory
experience. Each year the Land of Dream's Gala showcases the
treasures of a country where Happy Hearts Fund has a
presence. "Tonight was about celebrating the treasures of
Mexico, rebuilding schools and the importance of a sustained
response after natural disasters. Our guests from around the
world have shown how interdependent we are and how coming
together we can transform the world," stated Founder and
Chair, Petra Nemcova.
Accepting the Honored Partner award was Lynne Greene, Group
President, The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. / Global
President, Clinique. Clinique, a leader in global beauty,
recently announced a multi-year partnership with Happy
Hearts Fund, that included the launch of a limited edition
“Happy Heart” 30ml fragrance and t-shirt with the message
'Make Someone Happy' that will benefit Happy Hearts Fund.
“Education is the single greatest opportunity one can give
to a child. It is the passport to brighter possibilities,
transforming individuals, families and communities along the
way. Together with Happy Hearts Fund, it is our mission to
put a smile on the face of every child we touch and together
we can accomplish great things" said Lynne Greene, Group
President, The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc. / Global
President, Clinique.
During the Gala it was announced that United Airlines has
become the official airline of Happy Hearts Fund. Phillip
Caputo, Happy Hearts Fund Executive Director, speaking about
the United partnership stated, “Having a global airline
partner gives Happy Hearts the opportunity of having a
direct presence at our schools around the world. United has
long shown a commitment to natural disaster response by
providing much needed logistical support and transporting of
life-saving supplies. Now, through this partnership, United
is again leading the way by making a commitment to the
sustained response of natural disasters.”
Happy Hearts Fund presented Howard G. Buffett, president of
the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, with the Lifetime
Achievement Award and announced their partnership which
begins with the rebuilding of a school in Peru. Don Juan
Beckmann Vidal, Chairman of Jose Cuervo was award the Heart
of Gold Award for his philanthropic work throughout Mexico.
Simon de Pury, the evening’s auctioneer entertained the
guests with his humor and passion for the event.
The evening's auction raised nearly $2.2 million to build 30
new schools in disaster affected areas of Peru, Indonesia,
Haiti and in
Mexico.
Nicole Lapin served as the evening's emcee and guests were
entertained by five-time Grammy Award winner Marc Anthony.
The audience was captivated by singers from the Sociedad
Internacional de Valores de Arte Mexicano Foundation (SIVAM)
and 11 year old student Stephanie Lopéz Lopéz of Tabasco,
Mexico who delighted the audience with her dancing.
Notable attendees for the evening included: Petra
Nemcova (Founder and Chair), Grammy Winner Marc
Anthony (Musical Guest), Carlos Slim (Special
Guest), Howard G. Buffett (Honoree), Lynne Greene
(Honoree for Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies,
Inc./ Global President, Clinique), Phillip Caputo
(Executive Director), Heba Abedin, Chase Blackburn
(NY Giants), Romero Britto, Fabrizio Freda (CEO of
the Estée Lauder Companies, Inc.) Nicole Lapin
(Emcee),
Honorable Laurent Lamothe, Prime Minister of Haiti,
Roy & Barbara March,
Steve McCurry,
Simon de Pury (Auctioneer),
Honorable Carlos
Sada, Consul General of Mexico, William Lauder,
Russell Simmons (Board Member), Judith
Missoni, William Lauder,
Summer Rayne
Oakes,
Don Juan
Beckmann Vidal, Chairman Jose Cuervo
(Honoree), Veronica Varekova, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Alina
Baikova, Svetlana Nemkova,
Josh Charles
(The Good Wife), Archie
Punjabi (The Good
Wife),
Tie Domi
(Hockey Player),
and Vivienne Tam
(Designer).
Happy Hearts Fund is active in
six countries
and has built or rebuilt over
70 schools
and kindergartens. Since its inception, the Fund’s programs
have benefited more than
40,000 children
and
337,000 community members.
www.happyheartsfund.org