World Pediatric Project is known for putting on a good show in RVA. This year’s “Treasures in Paradise” auction was no different, with the best in fashion from an up-and-coming New York designer, a cast of local models, favorite Richmond businesses, and more. But between the glitz and glamour, the real reason for the annual gathering was evident.
2. Colin Beirne, Director of the Community Room at Ellwood Thompson’s Local Market.
3. LaTangela Light, Director of Development Operations at World Pediatric Project.
4. Lauren Stoner, Director of Development at World Pediatric Project, helped raise funds during the Treasures in Paradise event.
5. Chris Benz, a celebrity fashion designer who has appeared on Bravo’s The Fashion Show and HBO’s How to Make it in America, was on hand to warm up the crowd.
World Pediatric Project was founded in 2001 as International Hospital for Children, says Susan Rickman, CEO of the organization. The group’s mission is to link worldwide pediatric surgical, diagnostic, and preventative resources to heal critically ill children in developing countries. Last year alone the organization mobilized more than $7 million dollars in donated medical services from the medical community, which gave hundreds of children first-time access to critical care.
During the annual “Treasures in Paradise” auction in RVA, a formal event that offers luxury vacations, the organization garnered over $550,000. “World Pediatric Project is so grateful to everyone who participated in Treasures in Paradise, having fun while raising the needed funds to help many children in Central America and the Caribbean receive life-changing and lifesaving critical medical care. We can’t accomplish our important mission without the generosity of the Richmond community,” says Rickman.
Through its programming, the organization will use the funds raised from RVA to treat children suffering from birth defects, illness and injury. Many of these conditions are easily treated in the U.S., reports the organization, but in developing countries that lack pediatric critical care resources, they quickly become life threatening.
THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT WORLD PEDIATRIC PROJECT:
WEAR THE DOVE:
Purchase a dove pendant specially created for World Pediatric Project by designer Janet Gregg.
HOST A PARTY:
You choose your theme and format, and the World Pediatric Project will provide all of the materials and info to get started.
RUN OR WALK:
Set a goal and register for a local race to raise funds. Set up a customized giving page through FirstGiving.org.
INVOLVE YOUR SCHOOL:
School groups, fraternity and sororities can create their own events to support World Pediatric project, like an All Night Dance-A-Thon.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP:
Businesses can play a special role while demonstrating to employees and customers their dedication to children’s health.