Celebrating a labor of love! Orietta and Enrico Citati host a cocktail of thanks for the supporters of the Orfanato Niños de Cristo orphanage

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For Casa de Campo villa owners, Orietta and Enrico Citati their labor of love with the Orfanato Niños de Cristo orphanage in La Romana started in 1995, 17 years ago. And over the years with their unfailing support of the cause and the children, this jolly couple have now become as much a part of the orphanage as the children themselves – regular visitors to the home and hosts of numerous fundraising activities and events, such as the cocktail celebrated on Friday the 10th of February 2012.  Hosted at their Casa de Campo villa, Orietta and Enrico Citati celebrated the elegant cocktail not only to thank the many supporters of the Orfanato Niños de Cristo, but also to bring them together to rejoice in their shared achievements at the Orfanato and develop a sense of community around this honorable cause. Among the distinguished guests were many members of the Casa de Campo community, who over the years have contributed to the Orfanato with both monetary donations as well as with time and love – a donation of equal importance to the children of the Orfanato. Guest of honor was Valérie Werthheimer, president of an international aid foundation called “Action Innocence”, which based in Switzerland, France and Monaco, donates monthly to the Orfanato Niños de Cristo Orphanage, a donation which the institution has come to rely on, used to pay for the majority of the everyday running costs of the facility, such as the children’s food and medicines. Also in attendance at the cocktail were 2 Italian Casa de Campo villa owners, Egidio Mazzocato and Mauricio Guarnier, who along with their friend Luciano Pagan financed the first stage of the new orphanage built in 1999, where more than 141 girls now live. Before their generous contribution, the entire orphanage was based in one small 3 room house, which today is home to the orphanage’s 40 young boys.

The boy’s home at the Orfanato Niños de Cristo

The once tiny Orfanato Niños de Cristo orphanage in La Romana now cares for nearly 200 orphans, with a home for the boys and one for the girls, a small school and even a brand new church, which was opened last year in November thanks to a generous donation from Casa de Campo villa owner David Gober and his soon-to-be wife Sheila – both also honored guests at the Citati’s cocktail evening. [Click here to read more about the Orfanato’s new church!]

Shiela and David Gober with Sonia Hane and Enrico Citati

And now the Orfanato is about to get even bigger! Next month, in March 2012, construction will start on the second stage of the Orfanato’s school – made possible thanks to generous donations from Casa de Campo supporters, as well as the success of fundraising events, such as the “Alegria del Mar” annual dinner hosted this year by Deena McKelvey, who also at the cocktail, is a great supporter of the Orfanato, regularly helping out with trips to the dentist at the Hogar del Niño daycare center and even occasionally hosting groups of Orfanato girls at her Casa de Campo villa. [Click here for photos and coverage of the “Alegria del Mar” annual fundraising dinner.] And as the Orfanato continues to grow, so do it’s supporters – more than 50 of which were at the cocktail, all of whom contribute in a variety of ways – as volunteers who help with reading at the Orfanato, sponsorship of medical and education costs, and much more! Founded 16 years ago by Sonia Hane (“mom” of the Orfanato), this project has grown with love – and long may it continue! Thanks to all for your continued love and support! The following photos were taken during the cocktail hosted at the Casa de Campo villa of Orietta and Enrico Citati: