The 2013 Emerald Gala

Benefiting American Nicaraguan Foundation

The American Nicaraguan Foundation hosted its annual gala at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Miami. Funds raised at The 2013 Emerald Gala – A Treasured Past, A Brilliant Future. will benefit the neediest sectors of Nicaragua. This year, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, board members, gala committee, and partner organizations, ANF raised $1,077,702.

“Through these partnerships we have done so much, but there is so much more that still needs to be done,” commented ANF’s Executive Director, Rafael Sanchez.

ANF hosted approximately 600 guests, who enjoyed a magical night filled with elegance, philanthropy, music, and dancing. The night was especially eventful for three lucky individuals who won prizes including: Girard-Perregaux limited edition Virtus-I, a vacation to the beautiful Mukul Resort in Nicaragua and an iPad.

ANF honored F. Alfredo Pellas Chamorro Sr. & Carmen Ch. de Pellas and Food For The Poor, Inc. for their profound commitment to Nicaragua. They have been critical partners who helped set the vision for ANF and who continue to share their wisdom and help grow ANF’s impact today.

The annual gala is the main fundraiser for ANF and is vital to the foundation’s success each year. Through ticket sales, raffle bidding, and a Fund-A-Need auction, ANF has generated extensive support resulting in more than 5,400 ocean containers of aid, valued at more than $1.5 billion, being distributed to over 1,600 Nicaraguan organizations in the last 20 years. Each year, the proceeds from the Gala fund programs for clean water, healthcare, building homes, and education for the people in poverty in Nicaragua.

This year’s Gala highlight was the Fund-A-Need Program, a lively fundraising portion of the night that worked much like a live auction. During this segment of the event, guests generously donated more than $145,000 in 10 minutes.