Happy Hearts Fund (HHF), a non-profit founded in 2006 by Petra Nemcova, which rebuilds resilient schools in areas that have been impacted by natural disasters, will pay tribute to the 10 year anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami with an evening of honors on Thursday, June 19 at Cipriani, NYC, along with title sponsor Chopard.

Happy Hearts Fund (HHF) is a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding resilient schools in areas that have been impacted by natural disasters.  HHF works during the period after emergency response is complete, implementing sustainable practices to ensure a lasting impact.

Celebrating education, the building of resilient schools and community, and more, the gala will honor President Bill Clinton, founder of the Clinton Foundation and 42^ndPresident of the United States, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and life-saving work ensuring that children and communities are not forgotten after disaster strikes.

The Bill, Hillary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation convenes businesses, governments, NGOs, and individuals to improve global health and wellness, increase opportunity for women and girls, reduce childhood obesity, create economic opportunity and growth, and help communities address the effects of climate change.  Because of our work, 20,000 American schools are providing kids with healthy food choices in an effort to eradicate childhood obesity; 28,000 farmers in Malawi have improved their incomes by more than 500 percent; 248 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions are being reduced in cities worldwide; more than 5,000 people have been trained in marketable job skills in Colombia; 8.2 million people have access to lifesaving HIV/AIDS medications; $200 million in strategic investments have been made, impacting the health of 75 million people in the U.S.; and members of the Clinton Global Initiative have made nearly 2,800 Commitments to Action to improve more than 430 million lives around the world.

Former US President Bill Clinton

Also being awarded: Michel J. Martelly, President of The Republic of Haiti, for his Leadership in Education; The Children’s Champion Award will go to John Caudwell, Philanthropist and Founder of Caudwell Children; United Airlines will receive the Partner Award that will be accepted by Executive Vice President of Communications and Government Affairs, Nene Foxhall; and new members to the HHF family, the Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap and will.i.am, with the Spirit Award.   Apl.de.ap will also perform at the gala.

“This year is the 10th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and we have a goal to commemorate it with the rebuilding of 100 disaster-resilient schools in nine countries and to shine a light on the need for sustained response to help countries recover after a natural disaster.  My deepest gratitude goes to everyone who has supported us over the last few years and has helped us create a bigger and more powerful wave then the Tsunami did — a wave of hope, empowerment, opportunities and brighter future!”

Puket after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami

Nemcova was in Thailand when the Indian Ocean Tsunami struck on December 26, 2004. There she witnessed families without homes, children without parents, and entire communities swept away. It was the first time she experienced the gap period, which occurs after first responders leave, global attention wanes and children are forgotten for two, four, or six plus years.

Globally, HHF is active in seven countries and has built/rebuilt 85 disaster-resistant schools.  Since its inception, programs have benefited more than 46,000 children and 490,000 community members. This year’s goal is to build 100 schools, in a total of nine countries by the end of the year and raise awareness for the need for a sustained response.

For more information on HHF, please visit: http://www.happyheartsfund.org/, on Facebook and on Twitter @HappyHeartsFund.

Learn more at http://www.clintonfoundation.org, on Facebook, and on Twitter @ClintonFdn.