New York – July 24, 2014
Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to rebuilding safe, resilient schools in areas impacted by natural disasters, today acknowledged the generous support of Lexington Partners, a leading global alternative investment manager. As part of the Happy Hearts Fund Gala held on June 19, 2014, honoring Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, among others, Lexington Partners made a significant donation toward rebuilding the San Francisco de Asis School in Cartagena, Colombia. This school, which was severely damaged during the flooding of Bolivar in 2010, is scheduled to be rebuilt by November 2014 with the help of Happy Hearts Fund and Lexington Partners. The new, fully-equipped building will be attended by 180 primary school children and will be used at night as a center for vocational training for adults.
Commenting on Lexington’s support, Petra Nemcova, Founder and Chairwoman of Happy Hearts Fund and a survivor of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, said, “My deepest gratitude to Lexington Partners for their help in rebuilding the San Francisco de Asis School. Lexington’s commitment and support provides sustained response after natural disasters and uplifts children, their families, and entire communities. Their caring hearts impact today’s generation of children and future generations for years to come. Thank you Lexington Partners for inspiring us through leading by example.”
The donation represents the third successive annual contribution by Lexington Partners to the Happy Hearts Fund. In 2013, Lexington contributed toward the rebuilding of the Jose Maria Pino Suarez School for 186 children in the region of Tabasco, Mexico. And, in 2012, Lexington contributed toward the rebuilding of the Divino Nino Jesus School for 720 children in the region of Chincha, Peru.
“Petra’s courage in overcoming adversity and her commitment to helping others can inspire us all to want to do more,” said Brent Nicklas, Managing Partner of Lexington Partners, “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Happy Hearts Fund and to helping children continue their educations in the critical period after immediate disaster aid by first responders.”
About Happy Hearts Fund
Happy Hearts Fund is a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding safe, resilient schools in areas impacted by natural disasters. They work during the gap period when children are often forgotten after emergency response is complete, bringing hope and empowerment to generations of children and entire communities. The Fund is currently active in nine countries and has built or rebuilt 90 schools and kindergartens. Since its inception in 2006, the Fund’s programs have benefited more than 46,000 children and 490,000 community members. To commemorate the 10th anniversary since the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, Happy Hearts Fund has established a goal to open its 100th school by the end of 2014. Additional information may be found at www.happyheartsfund.org.