By Steph Wetzel
We hosted our inaugural Nourish a Child’s Dream Art Gala in September 2023 at Acqua Restaurant and Banquets in Buffalo, NY. Guests came together to enjoy performances, American and African cuisine, silent auction, music, artwork, dancing and more.
Left to right: Henri Star Muhammad - Violinist and Maetro, Jess Tomaino - Founder and Executive Director of WAHI Studio, and Annisa Glover - CEO of Ani Janelle Creative Studio
The main feature of the event was artwork by students from Buffalo Public School #84 at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) orphans. These unique creations were auctioned during the event, raising much needed funds to support the children's needs.
The guests and event sponsors had a major impact on the lives of underserved children. Together, we accomplished the following:
21 Democratic Republic of Congo-based orphans were enrolled in school (grades K-12), covering their tuition costs, uniforms and school supplies. This increased the number of underserved children receiving an education from 55 to 76!
$700 was donated to the Buffalo Public School 84 at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC).
$500 was raised for our scholarship fund to benefit refugee and underserved Buffalo, NY students; and:
Through the event sponsors and guests' love and support, numerous children were given the opportunity to expand their education, skills and were given hope for the future.
Guests enjoying the art gala festivities
This event could not have been possible without all of the incredible volunteers, sponsors, silent auction donors, guests and supporters - THANK YOU!
Interested in sponsoring our 2024 Art Gala? Email us infor@childadvancement.org.