Edeyo Foundation co-founders Unik Ernest and Michael Pradieu welcomed over 200 supporters to the 3^rd Annual Edeyo Gives Hope Ball at the Liberty Theater on Wednesday, July 16^th.  The gala, hosted by Stephen Baldwin and sponsored by Uptown Magazine, Jet Blue, Soniq Chips and LDV Hospitality, raised funds to help the future of children in Haiti by rebuilding schools and providing students with a safe learning environment, as well as healthy food and water on a daily basis.  Mr. Baldwin presented the night's honorees Bill Lerner founder of Billy4Kids with the Humanitarian Award, 2which was accepted by co-founder Alexson Roy and youth ambassador and model, Morgan O’ Connor. Jordan Lorrius received the Hope Award, Modo Yoga NYC’s Rebecca Foon with the Empowerment Award and Sanford Rubenstein received the Ambassador Award.

The party kicked off with a cocktail reception and silent auction with guests including Nicole DiCocco, Billy Morrissey, Maggie Norris and Isiah Whitlock, Jr. Following the reception, attendees were treated to an award ceremony, seated dinner and a live auction with items including courtside seats to the U.S. Open, a trip to Haiti, and tickets and a meet and greet with Julia Stiles at her latest play “Phoenix” Closing the special event was a live performance by Grammy Award winners Fabrizio Sotti and Melanie Fiona and DJ sets by Donna D’Cruz and Nick Cohen.

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. This year marked his Edeyo Foundation’s 6th Anniversary and keeping with tradition, this birthday party for both Edeyo and Unik Ernest, carried the same ritual. The evening raised much-needed funds for the Edeyo Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the future for children in Haiti through education.

For more information, visit www.edeyo.org 

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