Naked Heart Foundation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Naked Heart Foundation is an NGO for disabled children based in Russia. The foundation provides educational programs, free support services, play facilities in impoverished areas, and support for foster families and families raising disabled children, along with funding NGOs that work with such families.[1]
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| Founded | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Natalia Vodianova |
| Type | Non-governmental organization |
| Focus | Providing play facilities across Russia for underprivileged children and supporting children with special needs and their families. |
| Location |
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Area served | Russia |
| Method | Constructing play parks; Raising awareness about special needs and disability among children; Preventing the institutionalization of underprivileged and disabled children. |
Key people | Natalia Vodianova – Founder |
| Website | nakedHeart.org |
The organization was founded in 2004 by Russian model and actress Natalia Vodianova in response to the trauma she witnessed among children who had survived the 2004 Beslan School siege[2] and, more generally, her perception of the importance of play for children.[3]
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The organization built its first Play Park in 2006 in Nizhny Novgorod as part of its "Play with Purpose" program. It has since built over 158 Play Parks and Playgrounds (the distinction being that the latter are smaller in size). Architect and artist Adam Kalkin made the design for the parks' recreation centers, which are constructed using shipping containers.
In 2011, the Naked Heart Foundation launched a new programme, called "Every Child Deserves a Family", which wants to support families raising children with special needs.[4] The Naked Heart Foundation gives financial and administrative aid to professionals working for NGOs that assist families of children who have special developmental needs.[5] In 2011, the charity opened its first Family Support Centre in Nizhny Novgorod,[6] where families raising children with special needs are provided free support from qualified teachers, psychologists and therapists.
There have been several events to raise funds for the Foundation – most notably the Love Ball. The event is held biannually and is the main source of funding for the charity's programmes, which aim to provide help and support to disadvantaged children and their families all over Russia.[7]
The 2008 Love Ball in Moscow[8] (12–14 February 2008) was organized as a three-day event culminating with the Love Ball on Valentine’s evening. The event raised $5 million for the Naked Heart Foundation's programs.
The 2010 Love Ball was held in London and supported by De Beers. The evening involved a charity auction conducted by Christie's of various pieces by De Beers.[9] The event raised £1.2 million for the Naked Heart Foundation, which enabled the construction of 14 new play parks and playgrounds around Russia.
The 2011 Love Ball was a summer event held on the grounds of Valentino Garavani's 17th century Château de Wideville near Paris. The theme of the event was "White Fairy Tale", with most guests dressing in white or silver in keeping with the fairytale theme.
Guests included Christian Louboutin, Margherita Missoni, Olivia Palermo, Eva Herzigova, Paolo Roversi, Tommy Hilfiger, Daphne Guinness, Marc Newson, "Arki" Arpad Busson, Riccardo Tisci, Matthew Freud, Valentino Garavani and many others. Anne Hathaway was the hostess for the evening.[10] World-famous fashion designers created a unique collection of dresses that were sold as lots during the charity auction. Designers included: Agent Provocateur, Alena Akhmadullina, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Balmain, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Christopher Kane, Christian Dior, Denis Simachev, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce and Gabbana, Franck Sorbier, Gareth Pugh, Giambattista Valli, Giles Deacon, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Gucci, Hussein Chalayan, Julien Macdonald, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Marchesa, Nina Ricci, Olivier Theyskens, Oscar de la Renta, Prada, Riccardo Tisci, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Tsumori Chisato, Ulyana Sergeenko, Valentin Yudashkin, Valentino, Vera Wang, Versace, Vika Gazinskaya, Viktor and Rolf, Vivienne Westwood, Worth, Yves Saint Laurent, and Yulia Yanina.[7]
The event raised €2.3 million.
The 2013 Love Ball RIVIERA took place on 27 July 2013 in Monaco.[11] The event was held with the high patronage of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, and Charlene, Princess of Monaco.[12] The event took place in Salle Garnier of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo that was transformed specially for the event in a gorgeous dining room. The Naked Heart Foundation raised 3.2 mln euro during the charity auction.
Love Ball Arabia held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Natalia Vodianova in Doha as part of the Qatar–Russia cultural exchange. The charity gala raised 7.4 million USD for both Naked Heart Foundation and Al Shafallah.[13]
The organization has an office in London. The Foundation's accounts are available under its entry on the Charity Commission's website.[14]
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