An annual fundraiser organized by The Hamels Foundation, “Diamonds And Denim”, brings Philadelphia’s most generous philanthropists together on a night that holds immense potential for positive change. With a dual purpose that encompasses both a local and global reach, The Hamels Foundation is giving children access to education with the hope of fundamentally transforming our world.
Dedicated to “enriching the lives of children through the power of education”, The Hamels Foundation was organized solely to provide children with the tools they need to achieve their goals and secure their future success.
Though their mission is serious, the spirit of the event is quite the opposite. Diamond encrusted celebrities, professional athletes, and reality stars glittered on the red carpet at Vie, one of Philly’s poshest venues located on North Broad Street.
Hosted by the foundation’s co-creators, Cole and Heidi Hamels, the 6th Annual Event has become a Philadelphia institution. In the short time that’s passed since its 2010 inception, the Phillies pitcher and his polished partner have raised millions of dollars to support their charitable goals. Funds raised from this exclusive event will benefit not only area schools but also educational initiatives in Malawi, Africa.
According to CBS Philly, The Hamels Foundation has donated more than $1 million to Philadelphia area schools since 2009, and, while the Hamels’ efforts have profoundly impacted our local community, they hope to inspire positive change in one of the most impoverished nations in the world.
Due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, there are over one million orphans in Malawi alone. To break this tragic cycle, The Hamels Foundation hopes to provide children with the most powerful resource that exists: education.
Fully funded by The Hamels Foundation, and with the help of the Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA), the Namunda Primary School welcomed 320 students into its eight, fully functional classrooms at its September 9, 2014 grand opening.
Droves of attendees came out to support all of the benevolent efforts of The Hamels Foundation. The night included a live and silent auction, dinner, and cocktails, and commenced with an amazing performance by Five For Fighting.
Thanks to the support of corporate sponsors, more than $35,000 worth of diamonds and denim were given away at the event! Diamond donors – Jewelers, Golden Nugget Jewelers, and Lagos – and denim supplier Skirt of Bryn Mawr sent guests home in style while 100% of all of the money raised will be used to fund the foundation’s educational programs and projects.
Other heavy hitters in attendance included Chase Utley and his wife Jen, fellow Phillies players Cody Asche, Jeff Francoeur, Ryan Howard, Ben Revere; The Bachelor/Bachelorette stars Jillian Anderson, Megan Bell, Chris Bukowski, Juelia Kinney, Craig Robinson, and Ashley Salter; Michael Barkann, host/reporter for Comcast SportsNet; Former Eagles player Vince Papale; and current Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin.
With 2009-2014 donations totaling $3,163,620, we are confident that 2015 will bring nothing but continued success for The Hamels’ and their esteemed non-profit. Events like Diamonds and Denim, Girls Night Out, Hamels Handbag Happy Hour, and Diamond in the Rough Casino & Poker Night are just some of the ways that this uplifting foundation brings people together to benefit a truly inspirational cause.
If you’d like to attend The Hamels Foundation’s next event or take part in their dynamic mission, follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
