After holding annual galas in New York for the last 11 years and after three editions of the Miami Gala, BrazilFoundation held its first Gala in São Paulo. The event, which was held on Thursday (05/29) at the Maria Luisa & Oscar Americano house, represented a coming home of sorts for the Foundation, holding its first major fundraiser in the country that has been the focus of its philanthropic efforts.
“After so many years working for our country holding Galas around the world, it is a dream come true to arrive in Brazil, a dream long cherished by Leona and me. With the funds raised tonight, the Foundation will be able to support 15 social projects for one year. This makes us very happy. This is what BrazilFoundation wants: a better Brazil through greater active participation of its citizens,” said Patricia Lobaccaro, CEO of BrazilFoundation.
Mariana and Zeco Auriemo chaired the I BrazilFoundation Gala São Paulo, and were joined by co-chairs André Laport of Goldman Sachs and Will Landers of BlackRock, both of whom are board members of the Foundation. When he was on stage, Zeco Auriemo noted, “BrazilFoundation is a serious organization that supports important social sectors.” During the cocktail hour, musicians from Grota String Orchestra played while guests ushered in. The project is part of the Grota Cultural Space, founded in Niterói (RJ) in 1995, and now supported by BrazilFoundation. During the cocktail hour, there was also a Capoeira performance, courtesy of the “Sons of the Shackles” Cultural Association, a capoeira school that received funding this year from the Foundation.
The TV personality and journalist Marilia Gabriela led the evening as master of ceremonies. The honorees of the night includedGilberto Gil (member of the advisory board of the Foundation), who received the “Global Brazilian Award” and then sung two songs; the Victor Civita Foundation, represented on stage by Giancarlo Civita; and Dagmar Garroux (Tia Dag), for her work on education realized through the Casa do Zezinho. Rohan do Pará, from the Art Show Vigia Music Institute of the Northeast of Para, paid tribute to the singer and composer from Bahia during the event.
“It’s a night of great emotions,” said Dagmar Garroux, one of the evening’s honorees. “I met people here who went through the Casa do Zezinho 20 years ago. It seems a night of dreams, with so many people thinking of each other, thinking of a better, more equal country. Brazilians need to get used to this act of philanthropy, to look to each other. It is not possible that in a country as beautiful as this one, there is still so much poverty, inequality and disregard for human being. Tonight is a big step for our country, “Dagmar said.
BrazilFoundation would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters that made possible I BrazilFoundation Gala Sao Paulo possible: Goldman Sachs, Fazenda Boa Vista, Veuve Clicquot, Artefacto, Belvedere, Agência Pepper, Da Casa, Panna,Perrier, Pellegrino, Fasano, Gastromotiva, Bar Número, JW Gold & TAM.
