NYC Fundraising Gala Brings in Over $130,000 for Hurricane Relief
Press Release – April 14, 2018, New York, NY – This past weekend, young professionals from New York came together to throw a black tie gala at the Angel Orensanz Foundation in the Lower East Side, raising funds for All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response – a non-profit dedicated to disaster relief around the world – in response to the devastating Hurricanes Irma and Maria that hit numerous islands last Fall, including the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Over $130,000 was raised for this cause to help All Hands and Hearts as they continue to work tirelessly to help these disaster-stricken communities.
“Our family has lived in St Thomas for more than 40 years,” said Alexandra and Elizabeth Betesh, co-chairs of the event, “and after numerous trips there, we have come to appreciate the island’s beauty and fragility.” Alexandra and Elizabeth partnered with their friend Kyle Dropp, along with a host committee of 30 young professionals to plan the Hurricane Relief Gala.
When Hurricane Irma hit these islands on September 6th with 180 mile per hour winds, everyone knew it would be a long road to recovery. Homes, businesses, hospitals, schools and infrastructure was destroyed. Residents had no power, water or cell service. They didn’t even know that another category five hurricane was heading directly for them in just a few days – Hurricane Maria. All of the exposed structures were deluged by 30 inches of rain.
Photo Credit:
Matt Frisbie
https://mattfrisbiephotography.com/
Beka namicheishvili
Now, a full seven months after the devastating hurricanes, things are still not back to normal. Thousands of people are still living without power in Puerto Rico. In the US Virgin Islands, children go to school in half-day shifts and some hospitals are less than 50% operational. Tourism, a prime industry in this area, is practically non-existent.
Attendees bid on incredible silent auction items, including Blade trips to JFK, hotel stays in Tulum, floor seats for the NY Knicks, Michael Watson and Peter Tunney art, diamond jewelry, VIANEL leather goods and dinner with John Podesta. The silent auction alone brought in over $25,000. With sponsors Bloomberg and Visual Lease, they hosted over 400 guests who poured through the doors enjoying Don Julio tequila and Tito’s Handmade Vodka while dancing to the beats of DJ Elle Dee and Kieren Taylor.
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