ATKINSON, NH – With elaborate flower arrangements, delicate candlelit centerpieces and a dance floor glittering with fashion inspired by an Evening in Paris Soiree, the HUHO Gala has been the event of the season in Atkinson, New Hampshire for over a decade.
“Word spreads when you spread care,” smiled Camille Gaydos from the podium, Gala Founder and Honoree for the National Presidential Lifetime Achievement award (among others).
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HUHO, short for Help Us Help Others, financially girds up and finances strategic projects by partnering with boots on the ground 501c3 charities. The goal is to help them to grow and surprise hardworking
charities with targeted funds to improve communities and quality of life both locally and internationally where funds will directly produce tangible results in the areas of medical, practical and academic assistance. Essentially, it’s a long way of saying they’re nothing short of miracle workers with 100% of funds raised from the annual gala going directly to the noteworthy charities, one local and one international.
. “It’s not just helping these kids it’s helping the whole society,” explains actress Chrystee Pharris, HUHO Gala supporter whose film Steps of Faith has garnered over 20 million views. “We can’t tell these kids to get their lives together and trust in God if we can’t provide for them.”
In an emotional speech, Chrystee shared her own family’s personal struggle. Growing up, the actress’ brother lost his own childhood to raise her at a young age as their single mother worked two jobs to support their family to provide them with the best life she could. “They have to be adults at such a young age – and they’re just in elementary school.” Knowing the long-term impact this had on her brother and his mental health, Chrystee is driven today to be hands-on in supporting youth in her own communities. “They need hope, they need consistency, and they need us.”
What’s the vibe?: An elegant, Parisian-themed soiree showcasing the best in music, fashion &
philanthropy while highlighting local businesses.
Locally, HUHO supports initiatives such as sending inner-city kids to summer camp & sponsoring weekly food programs, and has been a major donor in providing a warm food truck for Common Ground Cafe. Yet the non-profit pillar doesn’t slow down at the New England borders, and has quite literally changed the world through international missions developing fresh water sources for underprivileged villages, and decreasing the mortality rate by 90% in the rural area of Cameroon, by outfitting a new primary site medical clinic the local people built in order to have the shipment of over 160k of medical equipment and supplies shipped over. New England hospitals, clinics and medical offices supplied a lab, maternal child health ward, a clinical area, surgical area and office furniture. The Bekah Jungle community now is able to birth their babies at the clinic which the French government recognizes, providing birth certificate, health insurance and free education. Over 250 babies have been born since opening its doors. “It’s really nice to know that those impacts are happening right in our backyard,” says Jessica, a longtime supporter of the organization who appreciates the global impact grown from local roots.
During the event, they also honored authors Cindy Saab & Coco Ramazani, a survivor of human trafficking who now shares her story to shine a light on those still struggling. The HUHO International Citizen Of The Year award was presented to Sudan native Lucia Okeny, and awarded Wanda & Jesus Ruiz of Leaving the Streets Ministry. After spending 16 years as a gang member, Jesus and his wife Wanda shared the impact the HUHO Gala has been able to provide as they continue their mission of empowering youth to leave the local gangs and be surrounded by loving volunteers and healthy adult role models. Their organizations’ actions have contributed to a crime rate reduction of 32% in the city of Haverhill. How did it happen? “All it takes is for somebody to care,” says Ruiz.
To learn more about The HUHO Gala, visit their website.
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Emmalyn Reid 