Philanthropic Fluidity: One Foundation’s Hope To Give Access To The Rest
26FIVE is a supporter of the Voss Foundation and its initiatives, an organization we have fully supported for the past 8 years – and counting. In support of the Foundation and in celebration of its success, 26FIVE is proud to have donated its media relations services to this year’s “Women Helping Women” New York Luncheon honoring Tamron Hall and Cynthia Erivo, a profound cause with lasting social impact. Should you be interested in seeing coverage of the event from Page Six TV, please click the above video. 26FIVE would like to extend a special thank you to Elizabeth Wagmeister, Bevy Smith, and Emilia Bechrakis for donating their time as guests of 26FIVE.
Now, briefly imagine a world without any philanthropic initiatives. Without the benevolence and charitable gifts of others, some of the world’s most beloved institutions would be at risk of becoming obsolete. What would The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. be without Abraham Lincoln’s hat? And just think about a world without Oprah. A world without philanthropy is a sterile, culturally bereft vacuum of little imagination and minimal creativity. Philanthropic initiatives are an integral part of our cultural identity, and some could even say that by understanding philanthropic needs, we are capable of developing a better understanding of our own worldview.
The VOSS Foundation works tirelessly to build a cultural refuge of another sort: access to clean water, sanitation and proper hygiene for communities within Sub-Saharan Africa. However, it is no easy task. This past week in New York, the VOSS Foundation, supported in part by 26FIVE, held its annual “Women Helping Women” luncheon at the Dream Hotel in Manhattan. There, the hotel gallery was transformed into an “African Bazaar” where patrons of the luncheon could peruse authentic African made goods, with proceeds directly benefitting the Foundation’s initiative to assist these affected communities. Attendees included Page Six TV’s co-hosts Elizabeth Wagmeister and Bevy Smith, Million Dollar Listing New York’s Emilia Bechrakis, Philanthropist Julie Pitt Neal and Barney’s New York Creative Director Simon Doonan, amongst others.
Million Dollar Listing New York’s Emilia Bechrakis
Additionally, the luncheon also celebrated women empowerment. As the name demonstrates, the “Women Helping Women” luncheon celebrates phenomenal women who have gone above and beyond to establish themselves as the forces of nature who promote collaboration and positive change. This year, the foundation’s two honorees were Award-winning journalist Tamron Hall and Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-Winning Actress Cynthia Erivo. The underlying message of the honoree’s acceptance speeches remained resolute: while you may succeed and achieve a position of influence, it is what you do with that influence that truly counts. By helping others, you are transforming the population into a more dynamic, aware and an ultimately positive force.
Page Six TV’s Elizabeth Wagmeister, Philanthropist Julie Pitt Neal and Page Six TV’s Bevy Smith
Attendees seemed to cling upon every word that was delivered with strong anticipation. However, after the speeches concluded, the gallery transformed into both new friends and old friends alike, who are all using the power of positivity and kindness to create positive change.
To learn more, please visit VOSS Foundation.
