PHILANTHROPY
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The sights and sounds of hope
The unforgettable Sound Gallery raised funds for two important nonprofits.
by jenna swenneyPublished: February 01, 2012
A mosaic of art, music and film filled a dusty warehouse in Costa Mesa last Nov. 19. The somber strings of a violin echoed throughout the packed room, as a short film showcasing the Paris cityscape played overhead. The philanthropic event was filled with classical compositions, tasty treats and more short films.
A full orchestra sat beneath an enormous screen as a projector furnished images of Paris, Chicago, families and dance performances. The Sound Gallery, supported by the Transatlantic Orchestral Productions (TOP), benefited international nonprofits Trust for Rural African Development and Enterprise (TRADE) and Lespwa (“hope” in Haitian).
“We at TOP hope our organization is a catalyst for artists to gain opportunities within their fields,” said Kimberly Moodey, TOP founder. “I dream that TOP will be able to work with sponsors interested in providing scholarships and grants to students and young artists so they can progress in doing what they love. The beauty behind TOP is that we are transatlantic.”
Moodey started the organization with fellow UCSD alum Christine MacDonald to help musicians and artists gain notoriety through performance. The pair became passionate about helping struggling artists while setting their sights on charitable aid.
The creative efforts of a new generation of artists were on display at the event. A five-piece orchestra performed original compositions by John Houston, Kelly Davidson, Joshua Rutkowski, Rachel Leger and Andrew Carroll.
While the melodies wafted through the warehouse, Chef Chris Carrol served decadent delights made of spinach and cream.
Lespwa and TRADE are organizations with high hopes for developing nations. TRADE representatives sold colorful necklaces made by Maasai women of Kenya and northern Tanzania.
“Both Lespwa and TRADE are amazing organizations set up by a group of wonderful people,” said Moodey. “TRADE works with The Leakey Collection, owned by Katy and Philip Leakey. By selling handmade jewelry, the Maasai gain additional income to provide regular visits to doctors and dentists. TRADE also helps provide a source of income to help build schools, buy books and pay teachers in Kenya.”
Lespwa has worked with the Haitian government after the 2010 earthquake devastated the nation. The organization made education a primary goal, and more than 2,600 students have enrolled in schools built by Lespwa.
The essential goal of TOP can be summarized in the words of theatrical director Ricardo Kahn: “Art changes people, and people change the world.”
MORE PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS
≈ Sea & sky guild will host “Classic Vegas” on Feb. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at County at Crevier Classic Cars in Costa Mesa, to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County. Come for an evening of fun, including dinner, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and casino gaming with celebrity dealers. ucp-oc.org
≈ Working Wardrobes will host its 2012 Fashion for Breakfast series at The Center Club in Costa Mesa on Feb. 16, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The organization empowers men, women and young adults overcoming challenges to enter the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency. workingwardrobes.org
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A full orchestra sat beneath an enormous screen as a projector furnished images of Paris, Chicago, families and dance performances. The Sound Gallery, supported by the Transatlantic Orchestral Productions (TOP), benefited international nonprofits Trust for Rural African Development and Enterprise (TRADE) and Lespwa (“hope” in Haitian). “We at TOP hope our organization is a catalyst for artists to gain opportunities within their fields,” said Kimberly Moodey, TOP founder. “I dream that TOP will be able to work with sponsors interested in providing scholarships and grants to students and young artists so they can progress in doing what they love. The beauty behind TOP is that we are transatlantic.” Moodey started the organization with fellow UCSD alum Christine MacDonald to help musicians and artists gain notoriety through performance. The pair became passionate about helping struggling artists while setting their sights on charitable aid. The creative efforts of a new generation of artists were on display at the event. A five-piece orchestra performed original compositions by John Houston, Kelly Davidson, Joshua Rutkowski, Rachel Leger and Andrew Carroll. While the melodies wafted through the warehouse, Chef Chris Carrol served decadent delights made of spinach and cream. Lespwa and TRADE are organizations with high hopes for developing nations. TRADE representatives sold colorful necklaces made by Maasai women of Kenya and northern Tanzania. “Both Lespwa and TRADE are amazing organizations set up by a group of wonderful people,” said Moodey. “TRADE works with The Leakey Collection, owned by Katy and Philip Leakey. By selling handmade jewelry, the Maasai gain additional income to provide regular visits to doctors and dentists. TRADE also helps provide a source of income to help build schools, buy books and pay teachers in Kenya.” Lespwa has worked with the Haitian government after the 2010 earthquake devastated the nation. The organization made education a primary goal, and more than 2,600 students have enrolled in schools built by Lespwa. The essential goal of TOP can be summarized in the words of theatrical director Ricardo Kahn: “Art changes people, and people change the world.” MORE PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS ≈ Sea & sky guild will host “Classic Vegas” on Feb. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at County at Crevier Classic Cars in Costa Mesa, to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County. Come for an evening of fun, including dinner, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and casino gaming with celebrity dealers. ucp-oc.org≈ Working Wardrobes will host its 2012 Fashion for Breakfast series at The Center Club in Costa Mesa on Feb. 16, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The organization empowers men, women and young adults overcoming challenges to enter the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency. workingwardrobes.org |
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