3nd Annual All the World to One Child Gala

Benefiting Friends of the Orphans

More than 200 guests celebrated the 3rd Annual “All the World to One Child” cocktail gala to strengthen hope for the thousands of orphaned and abandoned children living at the Friends of the Orphans network of homes in Latin America and the Caribbean. By the end of the evening, more than $80,000 was raised in support of Friends of the Orphans.

Following a red carpet entrance, Pamela Silva Conde of Univision hosted the evening’s festivities and introduced Dr. Merlin Antunez of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) Honduras. His inspirational story, one of resilience and success combined with defeating all odds as an abandoned child to become a successful orthopedic surgeon, was received with a standing ovation. In addition, Event Honorary Chairs, Leo and Mary Lou Hundt were later surprised with the third annual Friends of the Orphans Humanitarian Award. Both have dedicated 25 years to NPH and currently serve as Godparents to nine children.

Once the presentation concluded, guests took to the dance floor with the sounds of Miami-based, Spam Allstars. The silent auction, which included a twelve night European cruise on Celebrity, a spectacular Cartier watch and international travel for two on Avianca Airlines, was a major attraction.

“The outpouring of support for Friends of the Orphans was remarkable at this year’s Gala event,” said Ana Martinez, Regional Director, Friends of the Orphans Southeast Region. “After hearing Dr. Merlin Antunez’s testimony, all our guests shared a common bond and goal that evening to improve the lives of the children who benefit from our organization’s network of orphanages, hospitals and community outreach programs in nine countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Photo credit: Athos Photograhy, Shortstack Photography & Gustavo Freudt Photography.