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Press Release: BOVET 1822 was the title sponsor at the annual Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) fundraiser gala held at Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario, raising an impressive $1.5 million. BOVET is APJ’s strategic long term partner, ensuring they are able to give 100 percent of every dollar raised at these fundraisers directly to Haiti.
Inspirational community organizer, priest and doctor Father Rick Frechette said it best, “It’s not charity; it’s solidarity. Helping children in Haiti is a matter of justice that leads to peace.” The event was co-hosted by an influential team, including Pascal Raffy, the owner of Bovet 1822, Paul Haggis, Madeleine Stowe, Jason Reitman and George Stroumboulopoulos. This year’s event included a beautiful sit-down dinner at the spectacular Casa Loma, operated by Liberty Entertainment Group. Seated under the September night sky, the castle was the perfect backdrop to an evening that saw Madeleine Stowe and Toronto philanthropist Kate Daniels each pledging $50,000 to APJ for the next five years. Raffy addressed the audience to give his own endorsement of the cause. Not only has his House Bovet 1822 agreed to support the fundraising efforts of APJ for at least five years -- a commitment of $5 million -- but Raffy traveled to Haiti himself to visit the facilities and stated clearly that he will ensure that the pledges raised will go directly to help these children receive an education. After a moving preview of the movie by Haggis and APJ's CEO David Belle based on Father Rick’s work in Haiti, Father Rick addressed the guests about his experiences in the country over the past 30 years. When he first went to Haiti in the 1980s, he realized that what Haitians needed most was medical support.
Following Father Rick’s remarks, guests were treated to a surprise performance by the Grammy-Award-nominated U.S. indie rock band, The National. The Arkells also performed, receiving a standing ovation after their dynamic performance of their hit song “Whistleblower” and Slaight Music’s Stacey Kay entertained the crowd with her unique urban pop style.
Some of the evening’s most recognizable faces lined the red carpet for the event, including The Canadian Tenors, Ben and Jessica Mulroney, Cheryl Hickey, Arlene Dickinson, Kardinal Offshall, Caitlin Cronenberg, Shawn Hook and Stacey McKenzie. “Toronto has always been such a big supporter of APJ, and year over year the fundraiser we host during the film festival is extremely impactful,” said Haggis. “Every penny we raise goes directly to the ground in Haiti, helping children get their education and gain the life skills they need to thrive in their own communities. That’s where the money counts, and that’s why it matters so much to us.” Raffy was able to see these desperate needs first hand during his trip to Haiti this April with some of the APJ team and Stowe. He was introduced to Father Rick upon his arrival to Cite Soleil, the poorest region of Haiti, and was able to witness not only the need but the progress that has been made. Raffy was also able to tour the Academy for Peace and Justice, which serves the poorest and most deserving youth in Port-au-Prince. Immediately following the 2010 earthquake, APJ funded the purchase of land and construction to build this school, Haiti’s largest and first free high school, which has provided over 2,000 underprivileged children the opportunity to continue their education beyond the sixth grade. Growing by 400 students each year, The Academy will reach 2,800 students at full capacity in 2016.
About BOVET:
BOVET 1822 is a Swiss Manufacturer of luxury timepieces whose origins date back to 1822, the year in which Edouard Bovet founded their workshop in the picturesque Val-de-Travers region of Switzerland. BOVET is renowned for its pocket watches manufactured for the Chinese market in the 19th century. Today, under the guidance and ownership of Pascal Raffy, a visionary with a passion for Haute Horlogerie, BOVET is thriving, manufacturing unique timepieces distinguished by their pocket watch inspired form. From extraordinary complications such as tourbillons and minute repeaters, to rare artisanal crafts such as enamel painting and fleurisanne engraving, each BOVET timepiece is brought to life under the practiced hand of a BOVET master watchmaker. With a highly limited production annually, BOVET seeks to preserve and cultivate the art and craft of traditional watchmaking, while delighting connoisseurs and collectors. For additional information please visit:www.bovet.com About Artists for Justice and Peace:
Founded by filmmaker Paul Haggis, Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) is a non-profit organization that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty around the world. APJ’s immediate goal is to serve the poorest communities in Haiti with programs in education, healthcare and dignity through the arts. The organization is committed to long-term, sustainable development in direct partnership with the Haitian people. The model is simple: APJ believes in empowering local communities, fostering economic growth, and the power of education to change a nation. APJ is based in New York; David Belle serves as its CEO. For more information or to donate now, visit www.apjnow.org or follow Artists for Peace and Justice on Twitter and Instagram @artistsforpeace, and use the hashtag #APJFest14 to see all event highlights. Charitable Registration #82296 2205 RR0001.
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