1 About Us - Happy Hearts Fund


About
Us
Happy
Hearts
Fund
(HHF)
is
a
non‐profit
charitable
organization
founded
in
2005
by
Petra
Nemcova
after
her
miraculous
survival
and
recovery
from
the
tsunami
of
2004.
Its
mission
is
to
improve
children’s
lives
through
education,
sustainability,
and
technology.
HHF
actively
partners
with
charities,
donors,
and
foundations
committed
to
providing
immediate
and
tangible
educational,
medical
and
emotional
support
services
for
children.
In
addition
to
emergency
recovery
efforts,
HHF
is
dedicated
to
the
long‐
term
rehabilitation,
total
well‐being,
and
stability
of
all
supported
projects:
As
camera
lights
fade
away,
Happy
Hearts
are
there
to
stay!
Since the end of 2004, the Happy Hearts Fund has contributed to more than 18 different locally run, community based, effective and
efficient charitable projects across Asia. Thus far, HHF has established successful programs in Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and
Pakistan, though aims to advocate and provide for young ones throughout the world who have had to endure terrible tragedy and are
not receiving the substantial, sustainable help they need. The Happy Hearts Fund not only focuses on physical and emotional
rebuilding from disaster, but also provides tools and skills to children and their communities now and for the future.
A few examples of how Happy Hearts Fund helps children who have lost everything with a chance at a healthy and happy life:
Educational Opportunities: HHF is dedicated to providing children with an enriching educational experience; therefore, when a
devastating earthquake struck Yogyakarta, Indonesia in May of 2006, Happy Hearts Fund identified 200 kindergartens to rebuild, each
equipped with two classrooms, a playground, and high quality educational tools and resources.
Medical Care: HHF is wholeheartedly committed to seeing children and their families receive quality health care and necessary
medical treatment. In fact, through HHF, a mobile medical unit in Aceh, Indonesia has been established in order to see that thousands
of children and their families, who would otherwise not be privy to doctors or adequate care for often serious ailments, receive proper
medical attention.
Emotional and Mental-Health Support Services: Trauma, translated into mental and emotional stress, has proven to be a vital concern
on the road to recovery after a disaster. In response to this need, the Happy Hearts Fund published a popular children’s book, The 3
Friends and the Big Wave, in Sri Lanka. This beautiful, multi-lingual work was created to help children deal with their trauma and
promote peace in a war-torn country by unifying readers through shared experience.
All-in-One Programs: HHF often works on projects that combine all three focuses to aid in supporting the total well-being of a child.
By funding the construction and operation costs of a boarding school in Thailand, HHF is supporting many orphaned children by
providing all of their basic housing, health, educational, and emotional needs, as well as extra-curricular activities and access to
technology.
Happy Hearts has actively raised funds in North America, Asia, and Europe, and hosts an annual gala dinner event in New York City,
which brings together philanthropists, celebrities, and others who share a commitment to revitalizing the lives of children who suffer
in the face of despair. In addition, HHF receives proceeds from books, corporate sponsorships, independent donors, and other financial
efforts.
Happy
Hearts
Fund,
P.O.
Box
725
New
York,
NY
10014
www.happyheartsfund.org
Dear Friends,
On December 26, 2004, nearly 300,000 people lost their lives in the Tsunami. I was one of the fortunate
ones who survived, and, unlike many others, was lucky to have a family and home to return to. Even now
it is difficult to comprehend how so many lives in so many countries could be swept away so quickly. The
horrific images that I witnessed personally and that you saw on television and in the newspapers will
vividly remain in my mind forever.
Fortunately, in the days following the tragedy, many people were brought together in an effort to help.
Individuals, countries, the whole world was suddenly asking, “How can I help? What can we do?”
Because I received a second chance at life, I immediately felt the need to take action, especially for the
children of this disaster. I quickly realized that the help I could provide on my own was very limited. I
established Happy Hearts Fund, a U.S. non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, in hopes of uniting people in
my effort. And I feel so blessed to have received your support.
After founding HHF in July 2005, we started to help children in Tsunami affected countries.
We have supported the building of schools, kindergartens, daycares, medical centers, computer labs,
psychosocial programs, and have provided other forms of relief. We are now present in Thailand, Sri
Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan, Cambodia and Vietnam, and we will be going to Haiti, India, Peru and South
Africa.
We are happy to announce to you that Happy Hearts Fund has expanded to help the little ones in need all
over the world! I believe that each child, regardless of where they live, deserves a safe and happy life.
Don’t you agree?
The Mission of Happy Hearts Fund is to improve children's lives through education, sustainability,
and technology.
Yet this is just the beginning for Happy Hearts Fund. Unfortunately, there seems to be many natural,
economic and health related disasters happening in our world today. We are building Happy Hearts
Fund into a strong, enduring, charitable organization on which children of the world can rely.
This is possible only with the support of people with such caring and loving hearts as yours. It is amazing
to see that you are continuing to care so much about the future of these children. Please accept my
deepest thanks for your generosity and compassion. I am honored by the trust and support you have given
me and to Happy Hearts Fund. We will diligently continue to ensure that your money is used efficiently
for the children in need and we look forward to updating you on their progress.
Wishing you endless joy and the satisfaction of a meaningful life.
Lots of love, light, and happiness,
Petra Nemcova
Happy Hearts Fund Board of Directors
Ben Benson: Entrepreneur and Philanthropist. Ben has had a special interest in helping children and animals. His accomplishments
in this realm have included donating 1,800 acres of oceanfront property to establish a federal wildlife refuge, donating 600 acres of
oceanfront property to a children's charity for education and working with poor, homeless and orphaned children in Russia,
Ukraine and the Bahamas. His varied business activities have included timberland, marketing, real estate development and locating
many famous sunken treasure ships with creative use of technology.
Preston Haskell: Entrepreneur and President of Haskell International, a company that runs the gamut in business facets including
real estate, construction and property management, and restaurant ownership, Preston has supported Happy Hearts Fund and other
philanthropic efforts for a greater portion of his professional career.
Michael Hirtenstein: CEO of Westcom, Michael has guided the growth of his company as a leader in connecting trading firms
around the world. Westcom supports mission-critical and latency-sensitive applications for major North American and European
financial institutions.
Faith Kates: President of Next Models, Faith is one of the most successful agents in the industry. In addition to her professional
career, Faith is the President of The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).
Jeffrey Levy: Legal Counsel for Happy Hearts Fund and Partner at Roberts & Ritholz LLP, Jeff has had an incredibly successful
career as an attorney representing clients in the music and entertainment industry and executive corporations. He serves as Petra
Nemcova’s chief attorney and dedicates a tremendous amount of his time and selfless efforts to the growth and success of Happy
Hearts Fund.
Petra Nemcova: Founder and President of Happy Hearts Fund, Petra has had a booming career as a professional model and
humanitarian. She created Happy Hearts Fund after surviving the Asian Tsunami of 2004 and has since made it her life’s mission
to help children around the world who have suffered hardship as a result of natural, economic and health related disasters.
Glenn Nordlinger: Managing Director of the Nordlinger Group, a financial advisory and accounting firm serving high profile
clients in various industries such as media, talent, finance, and executive operations, Glenn extends his invaluable advisory services
to Happy Hearts Fund, serving as the foundation’s chief accounting officer.
Russell Simmons: President and CEO of Rush Communications and father of present day Hip Hop culture, Russell dedicates a
tremendous amount of his time to several charitable organizations, including the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the
Foundation of Ethnic Understanding and Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, not for profit organizations focused on social
tolerance and the success and empowerment of today’s youth.
Robin Solomon: As the Vice President of Trustee Services at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City, Robin works tirelessly to
generate funds for numerous medical departments such as emergency medicine, organ donation, and children’s cancer research.
Ken Sunshine: President and CEO of Sunshine, Sachs & Associates, one of the leading media relations agencies in the world, Ken
began his amazing career by working for the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), then moved into
the political realm as the chief of staff to Dave Dinkins (one time Major of New York City). Having his hand in a plethora of
intellectual arenas, Ken bestows incredible efforts to philanthropies such as the Foundation of Ethnic Understanding, and is
committed to serving union organizations including the Transport Workers Union Local 100.
Advisory Board of Directors
Francis B. Burch, Jr.
Partner
Joint CEO
DLA Piper
David M. Hryck
Partner
DLA Piper
Sean Penn
Actor and Humanitarian
Simon de Purry
Chairman
Philips de Purry & Co.
Benno C. Schmidt Jr.
Former President of Yale University
Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman of Edison Schools
Chairman, City University of New York
Future for the Children…
HEART of GOLD
BALL
To
benefit
Happy
Hearts
Fund
October
10,
2007
Cipriani
Wall
St.
...Children for the Future
On October 10, 2007 PETRA NEMCOVA hosted the HAPPY HEARTS FUND
annual gala dinner and celebration called the HEART OF GOLD BALL at
Cipriani W all St. in New York City.
The event was attended by over 700 guests, including celebrities BRUCE WILLIS,
RUSSELL SIMMONS, UMA THURMAN, EVA MENDES, SUSIE ESSMAN, BEVERLY
JOHNSON, DONNY DEUTSCH, TIM ROBBINS and several of the world’s top models
and Victoria Secret angels. In a show of support, many of the world’s top
business leaders traveled from Tokyo, Russia, London and Canada to New York
City to attend the event. The event honored CINDI LEIVE, President of Glamour
Magazine, ARPAD BUSSON, Chairman EIM (UK) Ltd. And BRAD EDSON, CEO of
Nutracea. Adding to a list of high profile attendees, the evening proudly honored
Mr. MECH SOKHA, founder of The Center for Children’s Happiness in Phnom Penh
Cambodia, an organization which rescues children who are forced to live and
work in the Steung Meycheng landfill and who are subjected to violence, sex
trafficking, and drug addiction.
Guests were treated to a powerful dance performance by Ms. KEO MANIN, a 14
year old girl who lives at the Center for Children’s Happiness. The guests were
serenaded by opera master SHAWNA STONE, a display of grace, power, and
beauty by CIRQUE du SOLEIL and danced while WYCLEF JEAN and family filled
the room with love and uplifted it with music.
The event also featured a live auction presided over by Sotheby’s own JAMIE
NIVEN and Curb Your Enthusiasm star SUSIE ESSMAN. Auction lots included the
electric powered Tesia roadster, a trip to Monaco aboard a G5, and a trip to Los
Angeles to attend the Victoria’s Secret show, adding over $800k to the night.
Online items are available until 10/26 and can be found at
www.charitybuzz.com.
All the funds raised will go towards bridging the gap in education, health and
emotional care for children who have been suffering because of disasters.
It was an unforgettable night and HHF wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to
everyone who helped make it such an incredible success!
Petra
Nemcova
Dazzles
Cusqueñeos
The
model
who
survived
Thailand's
Tsunami
of
2004
is
now
in
Peru
to
help
the
poor.
Her
Happy
Hearts
Fund
has
helped
Pisco,
and
now
it
is
Cusco's
turn.
She
is
so
pretty
that
just
her
presence
impressed
the
people
at
the
Alejandro
Velasco
Astete
Airport
of
Cusco.
Not
many
people
knew
her,
but
it
didn't
matter
to
the
hundreds
of
onlookers
who
got
close
and
took
pictures
with
her.
Petra
Nemcova,
famous
28‐year‐old
international
model,
arrived
to
the
Imperial
City
with
a
lot
of
suitcases
and
with
a
beautiful
smile
‐
worthy
of
a
magazine
cover.
Her
visit
is
not
for
tourism,
as
she
declared,
but
to
help
the
needy
people
through
her
Happy
Hearts
Fund.
She
will
of
course,
also
visit
Machu
Picchu.
There
is
also
a
very
special
connection
between
her
and
Cusco.
Her
birthday,
June
24th,
coincides
with
the
Imperial
City's
Dia
Jubilar.
Born
in
Karvina,
Czech
Republic,
this
1,77
tall
model
arrived
in
the
country
4
days
ago.
She
stayed
overnight
in
Lima
and
traveled
later
to
Pisco,
where
she
brought
her
Fund's
contribution
to
those
affected
by
the
August
2007
earthquake.
"It
is
like
a
dream
for
me
to
be
here
and,
thanks
to
my
organization,
be
able
to
help.
I'm
so
happy
with
this
people"
she
said
to
the
few
journalists
that
were
at
the
airport
waiting
for
her.
Petra
does
not
only
have
a
beautiful
face
and
spectacular
body,
but
she
is
also
an
activist.
This
comes
from
her
own
tragedy
that
deeply
marked
her.
In
December
2004
she
traveled
to
Thailand
with
her
boyfriend,
the
English
photographer
Simon
Atlee,
for
a
vacation.
However,
they
were
caught
by
the
tsunami
that
devastated
the
Indigo
Ocean.
The
model
escaped
from
death
by
clutching
to
a
tree,
but
her
boyfriend
didn't
survive.
Since
that
moment,
she
decided
to
dedicate
her
life
to
help
others.
"I
will
always
do
it,
when
there
is
a
meaning
and
a
good
reason",
she
said
on
that
occasion.
So,
she
came
to
Peru.
She
will
be
in
Cusco
until
the
weekend,
and
will
travel
across
some
towns
to
give
some
kind
of
help
to
the
children
of
the
most
forbidden
civilization.
Her
schedule
of
activities
is
not
known,
but
what
is
clear
to
us
is
that
this
beautiful
woman,
who
was
the
favorite
girl
of
Sports
Illustrated
and
the
principal
image
of
brands
like
Clarins,
Lancaster
and
Max
Factor,
comes
to
give
away
her
sympathy,
and
to
illuminate
the
hearts
of
hundreds
of
Peruvians.
(below
the
picture):
Smiling
Petra
Nemcova
arrived
yesterday
to
the
Imperial
City
with
her
goal
to
help
children.
Petra Nemcova and the Happy Hearts Fund’s
“Expressions of Love” Project
about the project
“Expressions of Love” is a unique coffee table book which will have as its theme inspirational people and their
philanthropic causes. These expressions of LOVE will be conveyed through various mixed media including
photography, poetry, and art. Iconic personalities will be featured side-by-side next to ordinary people who
have made extraordinary contributions through charitable giving. “Expressions of Love” will inspire its readers
to be bigger than we all are; to unselfishly give of ourselves to others. 100% of the profits from this project
will directly benefit the HAPPY HEARTS FUND, Inc. (a tax exempt non-profit 501(c)(iii)
organization).
your invitation
Petra Nemcova, on behalf of Happy Hearts Fund, would like to personally invite you to help those who can’t
help themselves by participating in the “Expressions of Love” Project. Your participation will directly affect the
lives of children who were left devastated by the Asian Tsunami or who needlessly suffer from the effects of
other natural, economic, or health related disasters. One hundred percent of the profits from the “Expressions
of Love” project will be given to those in need through the Happy Hearts Fund.
who’s involved
Petra Nemcova, Sam Shahid, Ken Sunshine, Faith Kates, Reyna Mastrosimone, and Jon Kamen/Radical Media
about Happy Hearts Fund
The Happy Hearts Fund (HHF) is a charitable campaign started by Petra Nemcova after her survival and
recovery from the tsunami of 2004. Its mission is to improve children's lives through education,
sustainability, and technology. HHF actively partners with charities, donors, and foundations committed to
providing immediate and tangible education, medical, and emotional support services for children. In
addition to emergency recovery efforts, HHF is dedicated to the long-term rehabilitation, total well-being,
and stability of all supported projects; As camera lights fade away, Happy Hearts Fund is there to stay! For
further information on HHF please visit: www.happyheartsfund.org
=====
“It’s not about my charity or your charity; it’s about helping and inspiring others to do so. Let’s get
together to show that everyone can make a difference by inspiring people to be more connected.
Together our voice can speak volumes. I truly appreciate your consideration and thank you very much
from the bottom of my Happy Heart!”
Lots of love, light and happiness,
Petra Nemcova
Happy Hearts Fund, Inc.
Please contact us with questions or to confirm your participation:
Contact: Olga Nemcova, Happy Hearts Fund
917. 535. 9234/[email protected]