Openings and kickoffs

 
Edeyo Foundation co-founders Unik Ernest and Michael Pradieu welcomed over 300 supporters to the 6th Annual Edeyo Gives Hope Ball presented by NIKE, at Highline Ballroom on Wednesday, July 10th. The gala, hosted by Stephen Baldwin and sponsored by Avi Oster, HBO and Maserati of Long Island, raised over $200,000 towards improving 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 Sharon Bush with the Edeyo Hope Award, Dr. Jane Aronson with the Edeyo Humanitarian Awardand Cindy Stagoff with Edeyo Empowerment Award. Chair Member Nigel Barker honored Nancy Myers-Alverez with the Edeyo Ambassador Award.

The party kicked off with a cocktail reception and silent auction with guests including Geoffrey Bradfield, Kamela Forbes, Marc Leder, Susan Gossage, Stewart Rahr, Crissy Barker and Lady Liliana Cavendish. Following the reception, attendees were treated to an award ceremony, seated dinner with authentic Haitian cuisine and live auction with items including a Kenya safari and tickets to the Super Bowl and Grammys. Closing the special event was a live performance by Grammy Award wining singer Bridget Kelly and set by DJ Cassidy.

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 5th 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