2011 PROJECT ART

Project Paz Raises $140,000 for after school programs for children in Ciudad Juárez

Project Art Fashion and Art Fundraiser Draws High-Profile Crowd, Raises $140,000

In an effort to promote peace in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Project Paz, L-atitude and Banamex presented this November 8, 2011 the event Project Art, raising funds through an art auction and fashion sale at 82 Mercer in New York City.

At the event, far-flung fashion e-commerce site, L-atitude, showcased the buzzed about custom fashion collection- dresses and accessories made by 13 acclaimed designers: Christian Cota, Juan Carlos Obando, Michael Bastian, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Wes Gordon, Thakoon, Yigal Azroël, Peter Som, Rag and Bone, Sara Beltran, Anndra Neen, Eddie Borgo and Alejandro Ingelmo, using traditional Mexican fabrics. Each of the one-of-a-kind fashion items, as well as dedicated Project Paz products (t-shirts by Samudra and string bracelets by Dezso) are available for purchase on www.shoplatitude.com. Alongside the fashion installation, a short, artistic film shot by Ruven Afanador featuring flickering images of the custom dresses on a Frida Kahlo look-a-like, played continuously.

In addition to the sale of the capsule collection, the event featured both a live and silent auction showcasing works of art created by influential artists such as Patti Smith, Paris Kain and Moza Saracho. The fashion, art and ticket sales helped to raise over $140,000 for the cause.

Celebrated guests including Peter Som, Diego Boneta, Alejandro Ingelmo, Eddie Borgo, Thakoon, Yigal Azrouel, Michelle Harper, and Woody Johnson were present at the star-studded gala, where Margarita Zavala, the First Lady of Mexico, made a statement in support of Project Paz’s commitment to community development in underdeveloped neighborhoods in the region.

The money raised at the event will specifically help fund a program by the Fundación del Empresariado Chihuahuense, A.C. (FECHAC), Ampliando el Desarrollo de los Niños (ADN), which translates to extending the children’s development. In an effort to keep children living in marginalized areas in Juarez from falling prey to gang violence, ADN creates after school activities for them to have a safe place to learn and extend their academic skills.

All donations are currently being directed to the El Paso Community Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 Non-profit organization that is the fiscal agent for Project Paz.