NEACOL’s 2024 Gala: A Night of Music, Generosity, and Impact

On a memorable November evening, NEACOL hosted its 2024 Gala, marking its 11th anniversary with an inspiring celebration of unity and purpose. Held in an atmosphere of elegance and warmth, the event featured vibrant performances, heartfelt stories, and remarkable generosity. Attendees were treated to live music by the amazing Eduardo Ortiz Latin Band, the talented and dynamic DJ Commodus, and the breathtaking voice of Colombian tenor David Rivera Bozón. But the night’s true crescendo came with the announcement that between donations and a silent auction we raised $19,750 ($14k donations and $5,750 silent auction). The net of the event was $45k including tickets, sponsorships, donations, and silent auction.

Supporting Four Transformative Projects

The funds raised during the gala will directly support initiatives tackling critical challenges faced by vulnerable children and their families in Colombia.

Thanks to the funds raised through this gala, NEACOL will be supporting the following projects in 2025

1. Environmental Women: Seeks to reduce acute malnutrition in Ticuna Indigenous children through a blend of ancestral knowledge and modern medicine.
2. Instituto Para Ni?os Ciegos y Sordos: Combats malnutrition among low-income blind and deaf children through parent education, food supplements, regular medical check-ups, and professional training.
3. Patronage Foundation: Enhances children’s health through nutritional assessments and preventive activities.
4. Medical Teams International: This program aims to reduce morbidity and mortality rates while increasing access to essential health care services for vulnerable women and children, including migrants and host nationals.

A Vision Born in Boston

Monica Pinzón, NEACOL’s founder and former Colombian Consul in Boston, shared the organization’s origin story. What began as a casual reunion of friends in her apartment evolved into a shared mission to create lasting social and economic change for Colombian children living in poverty. Recognizing the urgent needs of thousands of children, NEACOL was established as a beacon of hope, aiming to mobilize resources and foster community initiatives that uplift the lives of the most vulnerable.

Celebrating 11 Years of Impact

This year’s gala wasn’t just a celebration of the funds raised or the projects supported. It was a moment to reflect on NEACOL’s 11-year journey of making a difference. Since its inception, NEACOL has:

• Supported 38 impactful projects
• Benefited over 19,000 children
• Raised more than $400,000 to alleviate poverty

These accomplishments are a testament to the unwavering support of donors, volunteers, and the broader community.

Gratitude and Unity

The 2024 Gala brought together Colombians and supporters from various nationalities, united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of children in need. It was an evening filled with joy, connection, and a collective determination to alleviate child poverty in Colombia. Attendees also learned about the rigorous criteria used by NEACOL’s project team to select initiatives that maximize impact.

As NEACOL enters its next chapter, the spirit of this gala serves as a reminder of what’s possible when communities come together for a cause greater than themselves.

Marcela Danesh, President of NEACOL and all volunteers are grateful for all who made this evening a resounding success and for those who continue to supporting NEACOL’s mission. If you missed this gala but would like to contribute, click here to donate. Together, we’re creating brighter futures for Colombian children.

To see pictures and a video of the gala, click on Highlights Gala 2024 NEACOL.

We hope you continue to support our mission to help Colombian children thrive. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Happy 2025 to all!

NEACOL team.

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