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Here in Casa de Campo, the saying “give and you will receive” rings true each and every time we give to one of the many charitable causes supported by the greater Casa de Campo community. Last Saturday the 18th of January, as we celebrated the annual Magical Splendor for Life fundraising weekend, giving never felt so good.
The day started as more than 100 Casa de Campo golfers teed off around the La Romana Country Club golf course (click here for photos), and continued later that same evening at Casa Grande where our good will for a cause that works to improve the lives of so many, was rewarded with a magnificent evening.
Arriving to Casa Grande, the Casa de Campo retreat of the Fanjul family, guests were welcomed along a walkway, where some children of the Fundación MIR infant school were waiting to say good evening. The smile on these little ones faces and the hopes of a better future glittering in their eyes was thanks enough for each and every attendee.
But of course the glittering evening did not end there, cocktails were served in the reception area, where guests could enjoy a variety of options, including Casa de Campo favorites, Chivas Regal 18 and Ron Atlantico mojitos, options that have become Casa de Campo staples at all kinds of community events.
Another brand that has shown constant and unwavering support of the Fundación MIR is Tiffany’s & Co., who this year, as every year had gifted little blue boxes (and a beautiful assortment of jewels) to be sold in the mystery blue box fundraiser. A fundraiser that was such a success, all the blue boxes were sold out before dinner, leaving some ladies (myself included) a little disappointed not to be taking home a coveted little blue box.
Once everyone took their seats around the runway, the show began with the evening’s emcees Pamela Sued, radiant in an Ángel Sánchez creation alongside Anthony Alvarez, welcoming Lian Fanjul de Azqueta, founder of the Fundación MIR to the stage as well as her daughter, Lyanne Azqueta, who both gushing with emotion thanked everyone for their on-going support of the cause, with a special mention to Raysa and Alfy Fanjul, the evening’s hosts.
“We have been organizing the Magical Splendor for Life for 20 years, an event that allows us to raise funds to maintain and innovate a variety of social educational projects our Fundation.”But nothing and no-one could say thank you better than Benny Rosario, a former student of the Fundación MIR who recently graduated as a doctor of medicine. Benny, who started with the Fundación MIR many years ago, when it was originally an orphange, took to the stage to personally thank everyone and showed his appreciation by presenting Lian Fanjul de Azqueta with a framed copy of his graduation diploma. A fine example of the work the Fundación MIR is achieving – thanks to everyone’s support for events like the Magical Splendor for Life. Benny is now working as an intern at the La Romana General Hospital.— Lyanne Fanjul de Azqueta
While the evening could not get more magical than that moment, the Ángel Sánchez fashion show was certainly a show-stopper. With an extra-long runway, a seemingly endless collection of unique designs – an array of beautiful yet wearable cocktail dresses and gowns which made ever woman drool with desire!
This magical evening ended with a live music band and DJ Gringo from Miami, to the tune of classical salsa and merengue – the choice of the evening’s stunning hostess, Raysa, and the perfect way to celebrate and close this magical celebration.
The following collection of photos were taken on Saturday January the 19th at the Fundación MIR Magical Splendor for Life at Casa Grande in Casa de Campo:
Did you know?
- US$300 provides for an entire class for one month
- US$1,000 can sponsor the education of 1 child, including books and everything else they need
- US$2,000 pays for a vocation course in Tourism & Hospitality, Gastronomy, Refrigeration, Accounting or Nursing
The Fundación MIRThe Fundación MIR is a non-profit organization which works to provide education to the children of the greater La Romana area, who are most in need. They run 3 schools; the MIR Esperanza (boys vocational school), the Escuela Tecnica Vocacional Fundación MIR (girls vocational school) and the Primaria MIR (infants school). For more information on the Fundación MIR and to make a donation, visit their website: www.FundacionMIR.org To make a donation contact the MIR office in Casa de Campo (809-523-8270) or in West Palm Beach (561-366-5095). Donations are tax deductible for US Citizens! To find out more and see photos and articles of events organized by the Fundación MIR – click here!