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Garden of Dreams Bring Laughter, Hope & Inspiration to Children

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Posted on January 30, 2013 by theravireport

Beastie Boy members Michael Diamond (r) and Adam Horovitz pose for The Ravi Report

Garden of Laughs was one of the most anticipated and exciting star-studded event at Madison Square Garden that was not only full of iconic comedians, TV & film stars, top athletes and musicians, but was an event that brought awareness to one of the most amazing children’s organizations in the world, The Garden of Dreams Foundation. (www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org)

The Garden of Dreams Foundation is an organization founded in 2006 that makes dreams come true for children facing struggles and life obstacles. The foundation collaborates with 22 other organizations and sport teams to make dreams comes true for children and their families by connecting them to the magic of The Madison Square Garden Company. Garden of Dreams produces nearly 500 events a year and has helped achieved the dreams of over 220,000 children. Can you say GREAT karma folks?

Actor David Duchovny and comedian Ray Romano speaking to the press

“I looked forward to this event for months and got my tickets just before they sold out,” said a gorgeous tall blond ignoring the frigid cold weather and wearing a short sexy tight form-fitting dress with long diamond earrings.

“This is what the Garden is all about” said a stunning brunette who looked like she just came from a Vanity Fair photoshoot.

Actress Brooke Shields posing with the Garden of Laughs symbol for the press

Actor and popular comedian Ray Romano was part of the massive ensemble of the creme-de-la creme which included Wanda Sykes, Darrell Hammond, Adam Ferrara, Robert Klein, Brian Regan, Bob Costas, Brooke Shields, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crudup, David Duchnovy, Steve Schirripa, Tony Sirico, John Leguizamo, Darrly McDaniels, Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz of the Beastie Boys, John McEnroe and John Starks. What a line up folks!

Whoopi Goldberg who is also a board member of the foundation, spoke to The Ravi Report about the children’s dream.

Board member, host, producer and amazing actress Whoopi Goldberg came in style!

RR: Whoopi, always great seeing you. You have been actively involved in Garden of Dreams Foundation for a while and have donated your time and support to the children which is amazing. What does helping these children personally mean to you?

GOLDBERG: Well, thank you…I really don’t think about it..I just do it.If somebody needs help, well, I do it..and that’s it.

Invited children got to pose on the red carpet like stars!

Award-winning actor David Duchovny has been a strong supporter of Garden of Dreams and was honored to be part of the iconic ensemble of entertainers and sports legends.

RR: Pleasure to see you again David. As a well known celebrity with young children, what advice would you give to these children today that look up to celebrities as role models and mentors?

Duchovny: That’s a good question. Well, it’s the same thing I tell my kids. Do what you are interested in,stay open and do all the work. You know with my kids, some subjects in school are harder then others,but I tell them,just try and see if you have any interests and don’t not do something because you might fail.
I tell my kids it’s OK to fail.

RR: You’re a Princeton University grad so have you been back recently to visit?

Duchovny: Go tigers! I went back 5 years ago and I think I am do for a visit. I have some friends there so I will come back. Miss it.

Tennis legend John McEnroe and multifaceted actor Billy Crudup pose for The Ravi Report

Actor Billy Crudup, who is also a parent of a young child, says he is grateful everyday for being able to live his dreams and says that he wishes the same for the children.

RR: Always a pleasure Billy. Your personal reasons for coming here tonight?

Crudup: I have been extremely lucky in my career and worked very hard at it. Most people who are actors, don’t get to do it professionally and I am one of the lucky few that does so to have that opportunity to use my good fortune to help
other people and children…well, it’s a real pleasure for me.

Superstar Ray Romano stops to answer a question from The Ravi Report

Superstar Ray Romano stops to answer questions from the press

RR: Being the father of a young son, what advice would you give these children here tonight that are just starting out in their life journey?

Crudup: Trust yourself and keep your eye on your dreams. They will come true!

A few of the children got to walk the red carpet giving them that special “star” feeling and they spoke about how they were blessed to be able to meet their favorite stars in person and how grateful they were for everyones support.

It was indeed an incredible event filled with world famous celebrities, sport legends and television stars. But the most important part of the evening was how much these famous individuals cared and donated their time and support to the children by giving them hope while adding a bit of laughter into their lives.

The journey continues folks…one filled with hope and a ton of dreams!

Ravi

Charity Water Gala Flows With Generosity!

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Posted on December 19, 2009 by theravireport

Exclusive look inside the gala!

The famous "Water Walk" is an intricate part of every ball.

Well folks, this event definitely had the three S’s – Swanky, Sexy and Sensational! For those of you that missed this year’s most talked about event, the 4th Annual Charity :Water Ball, I highly recommend that you start thinking about going to the next one in 2010. That’s just how amazing and incredible this party was. Beautiful people with generous hearts and big wallets came out in this uncertain economy to show how much they believe in the mission of Charity:Water and how much they respect and admire founder Scott Harrison for his hard work and dedication of bringing developing countries safe and clean drinking water. Camera crews, reporters & social media celebrities all gathered together on the red carpet waiting for another great night and they got what they wanted! The Ravi Report was front and center with exclusive coverage & photos of the event.

Charity:Water Founder Scott Harrison & actor Adrian Grenier get ready to walk the red carpet

The ball was held at the famed Metropolitan Pavillion in Manhattan which has been home to the past several balls and it’s the ideal place to hold a massive crowd (over 1200 came this year) for a party. Supermodels, famous actors, fashion designers and well-known supporters all came together to support a great cause and mingle with NYC finest…and boy did they mingle!

Celebrity Chef/Author Rocco DiSpirito poses with Ravi Yande

Hosted by talented actor Adrian Grenier a long time supporter and good friend of Harrison, the actor walked the red carpet with Harrison and other celebrities before hand and also lead the auction into a successful night raising over a million dollars! It just goes to show that even in this tough economy people have big hearts and are anxious to help.

Scott & Adrian pose exclusively for The Ravi Report on the red carpet

“I planned for this event for months and I would never miss it,” said a stunning model wearing a Versace dress decked with David Yurman jewels.

“This is the ultimate NY party. You miss this, you miss everything,” said one gorgeous statuesque brunette with porcelain skin as she entered the pavillion.

Debonair businessman Mark Birnbaum & Supermodel Nicole Trunfio pose exclusively for The Ravi Report

It’s no secret that Charity:Water brings out the creme de la creme. It’s the place to seen and it’s the place to give. The Pavillion was transformed into an art museum atmosphere with beautiful & captivating life-size posters of children from India, Central African Republic and Uganda wearing priceless smiles and drinking fresh clean water. Trademark yellow water canisters were lined up in a special entrance installation with actual running water coming from the top simulating a water well.

NY Post writer Justin Rocket Silverman admiring the fascinating photos.

The Afridev pump was a hit during the party!

And who can forget the annual “water walk” that is displayed at every ball. A simulated runway is created where guests pick of gallons of water (some dare to go barefoot) and walk the designated runway with the water.

Another interesting display this year was the Afridev pump. What’s that? Glad you asked. An Afridev (African Development) pump is a low maintenance easy to use pump which can be used by people who live in the villages and have no other access to fresh water. The cool thing about it is that it pumps between 150-200 feet below ground level and does not require electricity!

Friends of The Ravi Report designer Irina Shabayeva(r) with model Kalyn Hemphill (c) wearing her famous red rose gown.

The auction lead by Grenier and Harrison was the highlight of the evening which ended with a performance by the multi-talented singer Rob Murat.

Although the evening had a great deal of glitz and glamour the premise was a serious one- to help bring clean drinking water to millions of people around the world who are in desperate need. Check out the www.charitywater.org. to see how you can help all year around and then celebrate your good work at the annual ball!

The journey continues…happy holidays folks and be safe!

Ravi

NY EVENTS: CHARITY:WATER & BRIDGE ART FAIR WELCOME ART TO NY.

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Posted on March 14, 2009 by theravireport

With NY Art Week almost coming to an end, many incredible events went on in the city bringing deep awareness and attention to the world of international art and charitable causes. Private museum parties,celebrity cocktail receptions and one amazing party that drew over 1200 people to Chelsea Market on March 10 was indeed one of the best art parties in every shape and form during the week. The pictures speak for themselves. artwork-011

Charity:Water, www.charitywater.org, the organization that provides safe and clean drinking water to underdeveloped nations around the world, celebrated NY Art Week by having an amazing photography exhibit opening with a custom made wishing well that drew many of the beautiful, fashionable and stylish people to the Manhattan Chelsea Market . Many got to view some of the most captivating and thought provoking photos provided by Scott Harrison, the founder and President of Charity:Water. Guests mingled as they saw images of children carrying the famed yellow containers of clean drinking water and danced and listened to music by The Kin, Rob Murat and others playing the night away.

Founder and President of Charity:Water Scott Harrison welcomes guest to the event.

“I have been to all of their events. You mention Charity:Water and you know it’s going to be a great event” said a gorgeous brunette wearing a sexy Donna Karan dress with a plunging neckline.

The coolest part of the exhibit is that there is a custom build wishing well set up by multimedia artist Thomas Beale . All the money from the well goes to building safe water wells around the world..so GO DOWN TO THE WELL!! Grab all that unwanted change that is just sitting around in jars and bring it down to The Chelsea Market Charity: Water well and help the people of Africa and India get clean drinking water!

The Chelsea Market created the perfect atmosphere for the photo exhibit

The event raised over $30,000 which will be enough to build 6 wells and 100% of all money raised from the event goes directly to the on-the-ground projects. For those who missed the event (next time buy your tickets early!) the photo exhibit and wishing well are on display until May 31 so get those coins ready!!

Another interesting and exciting art party during Art Week was the opening night of the Bridge Art Fair which ran from March 5th-8th at the historic Waterfront building in Manhattan. Rows of the most beautiful artwork from famous painters and photographers around the world were displayed for guests to view and purchase.

The event is globally well known and usually draws extremely famous and up and coming artists who often see the fair was a platform to display their work internationally. It’s also a way for museum curators, devoted art fans and patrons to experience viewing contemporay and modern art pieces, paintings and sculptures all under one big roof with over 50 exhibit booths. It was heaven for those that have never been to an art fair before.

Bridge Art Fair opening night reception

“What’s really interesting about this show is that artists from all over the world come together and show the diversity of their talent. You can’t beat that” said one extremely cute blond displaying her pearly whites gleaming through dark red covered lips.

Thanks to Workhouse Publicity (www.workhousepr.com) for doing an outstanding job organizing the event and making sure that guests and press were taken care of. Thousands of people were greeted with grace and the press were given prompt access to the event and artists. Great job WP!

art-0271 I hope you all enjoyed the NY Art Week and we able to experience meeting world renowned artists, attend some great parties and appreciate and learn more about the world of art. I know I did.

Ravi