New York—Karastan’s red carpet set the stage for the sixth annual Joyful Heart gala at the Cipriani in Manhattan. Recognized as one of New York’s most glamorous fundraising events, the Joyful Heart Foundation mission is centered on healing, educating and empowering victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. Karastan has sponsored the gala since 2008.
“The values of the Karastan brand are brought to life in sponsoring events such as the Joyful Heart gala,” said Elise Demboski, vice president of creative services, Karastan. “It is rewarding for all involved to donate Karastan’s red carpet for the gala and play a role in advocating for victims of domestic violence and abuse. Both Karastan and Joyful Heart believe the home environment should be a healthy, safe and beautiful place for families.”
Actress Mariska Hargitay, inspired by the examples of domestic violence in many of her television scripts, founded the organization in 2004 with the intention of helping survivors heal and reclaim their lives. Since the foundation’s inception, over 2,000 survivors have participated in the foundation’s pioneering retreat and wellness programs.
More than 500 guests attended the 2013 Joyful Heart gala, including R&B artist and Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige. Ingrid Michaelson, award-winning indie pop-singer, performed. A-list celebrities such as Julianne Hough, George Stephanopoulos and his wife Ali Wentworth, Megan Hilty and Harry Connick, Jr. attended. Other celebrities on hand for the fundraiser included Debra Messing, Mary Louise Parker, Christopher Meloni and Richard Belzer. The 2013 Joyful Heart gala raised over $2 million for the non-profit organization, a substantial increase over 2012.