Stephen Baldwin hosts the 6th Annual Edeyo Gives Hope Ball

In June 2007, Unik Ernest decided to use 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.

Last Wednesday, Edeyo Foundation co-founders Unik and Michael Pradieu welcomed over 300 supporters to the Annual Edeyo Gives Hope Ball presented by NIKE and Avi Oster, at Highline Ballroom. The gala, hosted by Stephen Baldwin and sponsored by 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 Edeyo Humanitarian Award, and Cindy Stagoff with the Edeyo Empowerment Award. Chair Member Nigel Barkerhonored Nancy Myers-Alverez with the Edeyo Ambassador Award.

The party kicked off with cocktails and a silent auction where AVENUEinsider spotted the likes of Geoffrey Bradfield, Kamela Forbes, Marc Leder, Susan Gossage, Stewart Rahr, Crissy Barker, and Liliana Cavendish. Following the reception attendees were treated to 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 evening was a live performance by Grammy winner Bridget Kellyand a set by DJ Cassidy.

For more information on improving the future for children in Haiti through education, visit www.edeyo.org