A Night in Mexico Gala

On Saturday, December 7th, Pildora hosted an A Night in Mexico, a fundraiser supporting the Vida Digna Foundation of Chihuahua, Mexico. For almost 25 years, Vida Digna has sustained the Rarámuri communities of Chihuahua, Mexico. The heart of the foundation is to help these communities gain their basic necessities, such as healthcare, education, and clean drinking water.  

The event was created and organized by none other than Pildora’s CEO and founder, Christina Almeida. Growing up in Chihuahua, Christina experienced the Rarámuri people firsthand and was always intrigued by their lifestyle and their love and respect for the planet. Bringing them to light in the New York City community was a dream come true. Not only did she want to raise funds for them, but she wanted guests to have the opportunity to learn from their communities’ respectful and sustainable culture. 

The Rarámuri people’s appreciation for nature, love for our earth, and absolute respect for human life are basic fundamentals of the Rarámuri culture. The Rarámuri have been around for centuries and have endured disease and famine, but their ideologies have not changed. Today’s modern world must learn from the Rarámuri if we are to prosper together.  

Hosted by Eglantina Zingg and Christina Almeida, the sustainable event began with a cocktail hour, where guests were transported to the streets of Mexico City to the beat of a live band in a space reminiscent of Frida Kahlo’s back yard, filled with plants, candles, and rich blues, yellows, and hints of pink. Greenery wrapped in twinkle lights cascaded from the ceiling and bright floral arrangements filled the corners of the room and adorned each table. A traditional Mexican gourmet meal was served while guests enjoyed an opening performance by Aztec calpulli dancers, dressed in beautifully colored dresses and Mariachi hats, performing a traditional Aztec dance.

A silent auction followed, featuring donated pieces from artists from the United States and Mexico, including purses from the Canna Project, a custom jacket from AndAgain, and paintings from Chrystal Rae, JD Miller, and Mateo Nava. A raffle was also held and one lucky guest took home a commissioned piece by artist Chrystal Rae. 

Pildora presented its first-ever Positive Impact Award. This award was created to recognize those who have spent multiple years devoting their lives to sustainability, welfare, and the betterment of the world, something Pildora strives to do every day.

Christina presented the award to Victor Almeida and Alfredo Harp Helu for establishing the Vida Digna Foundation and for their devotion to the welfare of humanity and support for the Rarámuri over the last 20 years. The award and awardees represent Pildora’s values as a company and organization. Sustainable communities are at the forefront of everything we do, and so is our appreciation for them.

The night concluded with another performance by the Calpulli dancers in the Mexican Jalisco tradition. Guests were absolutely enchanted and so moved by the beauty and passion of the dancers that many jumped on stage after the performance and danced in absolute joy and celebration of Mexican culture and the Rarámuri.

If you would like to help Vida Digna Foundation, you can donate HERE.

Orthopaedic Foundation Gala at the ST. Regis

Photos provided by Orthopaedic Foundation

On Thursday, November 21, 2019, the Orthopaedic Foundation hosted their 15th Anniversary Gala at the St. Regis Hotel in NYC. Dr. Kevin Plancher, founder of the organization, honored some of the most notable public figures when it comes to athleticism, philanthropy, and leadership such as Bernard Hopkins (Legendary Boxing Champion & Hall of Fame Inductee), Kevin Weekes (Former NHL Goalie, current Broadcaster/Analyst for NHL & ESPN), Celebrity ChefDino Gatto (Executive Chef RAO’S), Celebrity Chef Andrew Whitney (Executive Chef/ Owner of Dell 'anima), Victor Muro (President & CEO of Integrated Financial Strategies) and Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado (President & CEO Coastal Advisors LLC & Master of Ceremonies).

“The 15th Anniversary Gala allowed us to raise significant funds to continue our cutting-edge research for sports injuries and Musculoskeletal diseases such as Arthritis,” said Dr. Plancher. “We thank all the honorees and guests for coming out  to celebrate with us and for making our night a huge success.

Photos provided by Orthopaedic Foundation

“It was such a pleasure and honor to be the Orthopedic Foundation Gala's MC and honoree,” said Richard Big Daddy Salgado. “I look forward to continuing to do great work for the organization and advancing their mission.”

Celebrity guests Dennis Seidenberg (Former NY Islander), Erik Coleman (Former NFL Safety), Zab Judah (Multi-time Former World Champion In Two Weight Classes), Monte Barrett (Former Heavyweight Boxer), Brian Baldinger (Former NFL Offensive Lineman & Sports Analyst) and DeeMo (Actor/Songwriter) walked the red carpet and celebrated the evening with the honorees.

Photos provided by Orthopaedic Foundation

Guests were wined and dined with a 4-course decadent meal prepared by Chef Dino Gatto and Chef Andrew Whitney with exclusive wine pairings from The 1 Wine company. Guests were entertained by the performance of world-famous comedy enterprise Second City Works. Significant funds were raised through a live and silent auction benefiting the foundation.

About The Orthopaedic Foundation

The Orthopaedic Foundation was created as a not-for-profit (501) C(3) organization whose primary function is to effectively promote, support, develop and encourage research and education concerning minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery and advancements in musculoskeletal diseases. The Foundation is additionally committed to initiatives that educate individuals of all ages who are passionate about a healthy and active lifestyle and engage in self-directed practices to maintain that lifestyle. The aim of the Foundation is to discover new modalities for the treatment of orthopaedic injuries and musculoskeletal disease, to promote injury prevention, and to explore minimally invasive treatments that guarantee shorter recovery time and faster return to daily activities. www.ofals.org

About Dr. Plancher, MD, MPH

The Orthopaedic Foundation was founded by Kevin Plancher, MD, MPH – an innovative and world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert who lectures globally on issues related to orthopaedic procedures and sports injury management.