Happy Hearts Fund Commemorates the 10 Year Anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami

June 2014. New York, NY, Cipriani 42nd Street

On June 19, 2014, Empire once again served as producer of the Happy Hearts Fund Gala, which raises awareness and funds for schools in regions affected by natural disasters. This 10th anniversary gala, honoring President Bill Clinton and featuring a performance by Sheryl Crow, commemorated 10 years since the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of 2004 and celebrated 85 schools already rebuilt.

Departing from the tradition of bringing awareness to a single country, this year’s gala, sponsored by Chopard cast a spotlight on all of the countries who have benefitted from the aid of the Happy Hearts Fund and focused highlighting the HHF mission, which is to rebuild schools and education.

Within the impressive Cipriani 42nd Street venue, over 500 guests enjoyed cocktails and a seated dinner surrounded by school-room décor with chalkboard-inspired screen graphics, neon-colored rulers used as bidding markers and a classroom scene set onstage. The stunning host and founder of the Happy Hearts Fund, Petra Nemcova, even dressed as “Principal Petra” as she addressed supporters in her welcoming remarks.

Heart-shaped floral centerpieces surrounded by “thank you” written in different languages adorned the guests’ dinner tables. Prestigious honorees and speakers included President Bill Clinton (presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award), President Michel J. Martelly of Haiti (presented with the Leadership in Education Award), John Caudwell (presented with the Children’s Champion Award), United Airlines (presented with the Honored Partner Award), and Apl.de.ap and will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas (presented with the Spirit Award).

Guests were also treated to energizing performances of “I’ve Got a Feeling” and “Where is the Love?” by Apl.de.ap, a surprise rendition of “Let It Be Me” (Elvis Presley) by President Martelly of Haiti (who was then joined onstage by another surprise guest - Wyclef Jean - for a one-of-a-kind rendition of “No Woman No Cry”), and Sheryl Crow, who performed four songs including “Soak Up the Sun” and “All I Wanna Do”.

Notable attendees included fashion designer Donna Karan, musician Taboo, singer/songwriter John Legend, actress Naomi Watts, and supermodels Coco Rocha and Arlenis Sosa. Event sponsors included Chopard, Clinique, and United. Rounding out the stage presentation was a lively auction led by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury of Phillips de Pury & Company, with packages including tickets to the 2014 Victoria Secret Fashion Show, a luxury trip to Ibiza for eight guests, including air travel via private jet and yacht, and the opportunity to attend the Cannes Film Festival while sporting a custom made jewelry piece designed around a 5.12 carat Colombian emerald from Chopard. A highlight of the auction included a fashion show featuring Coco Rocha and Petra Nemcova walking the catwalk.

Between ticket sales and auction packages, the Happy Hearts Fund raised over $2.5 million through which the HHF has reached the goal of raising enough to rebuild 15 more schools which will accomplish their foal of rebuilding 100 schools before the end of 2014.

Working closely with Happy Hearts Fund, Empire served as producer of the gala, managing elements including venue, décor, technical production, performing talent and stage management. To support or learn more about the Happy Hearts Fund, please visit www.happyheartsfund.org. Empire is honored to have been part of such a worthy event and is a leading producer of not-for-profit, for-cause events globally.