Over $280,000 was raised at the Ninth Annual JustWorld International Fundraising Gala held Friday, January 20, in Wellington, Florida. JustWorld International is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization working as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping impoverished children.
More than 650 guests enjoyed an evening in the bygone era of the flapper at the 1920’s-themed event hosted by Maria Newman at her beautiful Belle Herbe Farm in Grand Prix Village. Renowned event planners, Dazzle Creative Events, created a ‘Speakeasy’ vibe that was reflected through food, drinks, specialty entertainment and a casino with 14 gaming tables. Presented by FTI Consulting, Whole Foods of Wellington, and Caryl Philips and Frank Zeiss, the evening was an overwhelming success, raising $280,360 towards JustWorld project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, and Honduras.
The silent auction raised $27,640 and featured highly sought-after items such as a bronze statue by Mary Sand Studio won by Carolyn Darby; a commissioned portrait by Jocelyn Sanders won by Bonnie Johnson; and a photograph by Shelli Breidenbach won by Matthew Marano.
The bidding was hot in the live auction raising a total of $22,850 for the seven items offered. Attracting the highest bids were a Boston Bruins hockey package including tickets and one night’s accommodation at the unique Liberty Hotel won by the Graham family; a three-night stay at the Chateau Canisy in Normandy, France, won by Alexandra Pozzo; and a VIP chalet table with parking pass for the 2012 Hampton Classic Horse Show won by Pedro Torres.
Six of the lucky guests left with prizes from the event’s casino raffle including an autographed poster of the 2011 Pan American gold medal team won by Tuny Page; a VIP table at the PBIEC Jockey Club during WEF week VI won by Teresa Mills; a Nespresso Pixie machine won by Bhaskar Dasgupta; a “New Year’s Resolution” gift basket won by Frank Zeiss; a horse-themed slot machine won by Louie Jacobs; and a foursome of golf at the Emerald Dunes golf course won by Nina Montross.
Several JustWorld Junior Ambassadors were on hand to help ensure the evening’s success, visiting the tables to explain the various project sites and encouraging donations through the JustWorld ‘Adopt-A-Project’ initiative. An additional $10,380 was donated by generous guests who happily support JustWorld’s initiatives, bringing the grand total raised for the evening to $280,360.
“I am simply overwhelmed by the enormous amount of support that the Wellington and equestrian communities have shown us,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “It is incredible to think that we are now in our ninth year, yet we still keep growing and growing. This was our biggest and most successful fundraising gala yet! I can’t thank everyone enough, from our generous sponsors, Gala committee members, donors and guests, to our team of JustWorld Ambassadors, staff and volunteers, who never cease to amaze me with their commitment and endless energy for the work that we do.”
