Silent Auction Opens to Benefit Most Vulnerable in Latin America, Caribbean
PADF Uses Charity Buzz for Online Bidding
WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than two dozen terrific items are available for auction with the proceeds benefiting people with the greatest needs in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pan American Development Foundation announced today.
For the next two weeks, items ranging from travel and entertainment to jewelry and original artwork will be auctioned to the public at Charity Buzz, which is dedicated to helping non-profit organizations to connect to the public through an easy-to-use website. PADF's auction can be seen at: http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/PanAmerican/catalog_items.
The donations to the auction are part of a major celebration in Miami called Heroes of the Hemisphere, which will recognize the achievements of five amazing people from Cuba, Colombia, El Salvador and Haiti. The Oct. 24 event will bring together 350 leaders from business, government, diplomacy, philanthropy and entertainment. www.HeroesoftheHemisphere.org
"PADF is extremely fortunately to have received very high-quality items from individuals and companies who want to help our least fortunate neighbors," says Amy Coughenour, Deputy Director of PADF. "I encourage people to bid on these wonderful products and services since the proceeds will benefit thousands of people, with a special emphasis on Haiti."
Donated items up for auction include: A 10-day Caribbean cruise for two on Celebrity Cruises; a week in a villa in Tuscany; an African safari; dresses from Luca Luca; and original jewelry from Ana Oz.
Included in the auction is an original painting created just for the Heroes of the Hemisphere by world-renowned artist Romero Britto.
"As an artist, it is my desire to share a vision of hope, happiness and beauty with the world," says the Brazilian-born artist. "PADF's Heroes of the Hemisphere celebrates five people who have done extraordinary work to create a brighter future for the less fortunate among us. This piece is my way of contributing to their recognition."
PADF's Heroes of the Hemisphere will be held on the Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited's ship Liberty of the Seas, which will be docked at the Port of Miami.
Since RCCL is hosting the event, proceeds will be used for programs and beneficiaries. In addition to RCCL, the 2009 Heroes of the Hemisphere's partners include Chevron, Citi, Caterpillar, Greenberg Traurig, Univision, MTV, Sony Music, the Center for Hemispheric Policy, Federal Express, the social marketing agency Interlex of San Antonio and Star Services Events.
About PADF
PADF is an independent, non-profit organization that creates public-private partnerships that assist the least advantaged people in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Having worked in every country in Latin America and the Caribbean, PADF engages community-based groups, governments and the private sector in the process of implementing appropriate solutions for sustainable development.
In the past year, PADF's programs assisted more than 5.68 million people in 18 countries. www.padf.org.
SOURCE Pan American Development Foundation