|
|
 |
-------------- -------------- |
|
BRAZILFOUNDATION'S SECOND ANNUAL GALA IN NEW YORK 
To the beat of samba, BrazilFoundation raises US$ 250,000 for social projects. Spirits soared as guests danced at Cipriani on September 21 during BrazilFoundation's second annual gala to benefit social programs in Brazil. The crowd of 425 people, including business leaders, artists, fashion designers, and models, were energized by this new opportunity to make a difference in Brazil's future. "This second gala demonstrates that a new philanthropic community has been born in New York and is here to stay," said Patricia Poeta, correspondent for TV Globo and the master of ceremonies.
The range of guests demonstrated the cultural, social, and political capital of Brazilians in New York. Honored at the event were three leaders for their social investments in Brazil: Alain Belda, chairman and CEO of Alcoa Inc., for his pioneering social investments through Instituto Alcoa and Fundação Alcoa in Brazil; Edemar Cid Ferreira, president of Banco Santos and Brasil Connects which promotes Brazilian culture in museums worldwide through art; and Raí de Oliveira, who founded Gol de Letra (Perfect Goal ), a nonprofit that provides educational and athletic opportunities to more than 500 youngsters from low-income neighborhoods in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Many of the attendees were Brazilians in New York City who appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the development of their country from afar. The event raised US$ 200,000, which will be complemented with a gift of US$ 50,000 by Avina Foundation, from Switzerland. "BrazilFoundation is one of the most important institutions linking Brazil with the United States," said Gilberto Penna, senior managing director of Companhia do Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD) America. "It's a fundamental necessity to know that all the money donated will go the right people-those that need it." Artists and designers donated their work for an auction to raise additional support for BrazilFoundation's programs. Vik Muniz's Chromogenic print "ShoeShine Boy" was auctioned for US$16,500 and Romero Britto's serigraph "Jennifer" brought in US$2,300.
Plans are already being made for Gala III - tentatively scheduled for September 15, 2005. Click here for BrazilFoundation's Gala 2004 picture gallery. Click here to read about BrazilFoundation's Gala 2004 in the news. |
||||||||||||||||||||
| PORTUGUÊS | |||||||||||||||||||||||
