Cheers to Haiti

Let’s face it. This “snowicane” sweeping across New Jersey right now is nothing compared to the disastrous earthquake that hit Haiti in January. Last night, at the Benefit for Haiti Relief at the Chandelier Room in the W Hoboken, I was reminded of this. And that’s a good enough reason for me to brave a little snow.

The event was hosted by the Hoboken-based non-profit Party With Purpose, which was founded by Scott Delea, in an effort to give back and make a positive impact on society. Delea and his team of like-minded individuals host social events to raise funds for charitable causes, including the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Boys & Girls Club, and many more.

Last night’s benefit chose to raise funds for Partners In Health and UNICEF to help rebuilding Haiti, which faces critical health issues each day as well as assuredly difficult challenges ahead with the country’s wet season approaching. For such a worthy cause, the night certainly lived up to Party With Purpose’s motto of “Work Hard, Play Hard, Give Hard.”

The exquisite Chandelier Room in the chic W Hoboken set a sophisticated tone for the evening, which featured piano music by jazz musician Jon Regen, and a live and silent auction. Some of the auctioned items included gift packages from Bliss Spa, autographed footballs from special guests Green Bay Packers running back Ryan Grant and Giants left tackle David Diehl, John Mayer concert tickets presented by Z100 radio personality Skeery Jones, and much more. There were plenty of deep wallets in the room, with most items going for hundreds of dollars, and 100-percent of the night’s proceeds going directly to the chosen charities.

Nearly 200 guests (at $100 per ticket) enjoyed upscale cocktails, hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Zylo Restaurant (W Hoboken’s Tuscan-style steakhouse downstairs), and an assortment of tasty cupcakes and brownies provided by the “Cake Boss” himself, Buddy Valastro, of Carlo’s Bake Shop in Hoboken. Even though the usually breathtaking views of the New York City skyline were muted by the snow and fog raging outside, Party With Purpose reminded guests just how fun it can be to give back—though complimentary drinks usually help with that!

So as you curse the snow today and dig out your cars this weekend, just remember the people of Haiti who still have a long way to go as they continue the uphill battle of rebuilding their country.

To donate to the Party With Purpose Benefit for Haiti Relief, click here.

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