October 11th, 2012 
On Tuesday, October 9, I had the pleasure of attending The Paradise Fund’s New York City Launch Party. The Paradise Fund, founded in Palm Beach 10 years ago, is a grass-roots movement of young professionals. It has recently launched a chapter in Miami and will also be launching one in Los Angeles later in the year. The proceeds of the event will go to the Paradise Fund’s personal Haiti Education Mission and Children’s Relief Fund, which provides children in need with books, homes, medicine, schools and the tools needed for a better life.
(Photo Credit: bfanyc.com)
Considering, the event was sold out several days beforehand, it was no surprise that the party was hopping. There was a raffle and great prizes from Ellsworth & Ivey, Rae Francis, Del Toro, Sam Edelman Shoes and much more. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Jonny Famous, hor d’oeurves from The Chef and an open bar.
(Photo Credit: bfanyc.com)
(Photo Credit: bfanyc.com)
The founders, Kent Anderson and his older brother, Loy Anderson III, as well as Christopher DiSchino, were all in attendance. Having had the chance to speak with Kent, I asked him why he started the fund, and he responded that it was a great way to give back and enjoy celebrating it with friends. He also said that they “plan on having a black tie event in New York sometime next year.”
Founders/Host Committee, Kent Anderson, Christopher DiSchino & Loy Anderson III (Photo Credit: bfanyc.com)
The Palm Beach natives and founders have donated $50,000 to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. They have also put the Children’s Fund towards building three schools in Haiti. During a trip to Haiti, they discovered “Divine Ministries in Hope for Children” which was started by Pastor Daniel Jean to take a group of orphan street children under his care. Now, there are over 150 adopted children and The Paradise Fund works with Pastor Jean to supply his “family” with beds, mattresses, shoes, toys, etc.
(Photo Credit: guestofaguest.com)
I asked Loy if there was much to be done in his own community of Palm Beach and was saddened to hear that there are thousands of homeless children registered in Palm Beach County Schools alone. Loy said that they have put money towards helping these children find homes as well. In the United States, around 1 in every 50 children are homeless. Indeed, the opening of the Paradise Fund in a city like New York is much needed. In fact, every state should have a Paradise Fund, and at the rate of their recent expansion, who knows? Perhaps they will! For now though, keep your ears open for the date of their next party in New York. It will most certainly be for a tremendous cause, great fun and sold out quickly. Cheers to these fine gentlemen!
