Lexington Renews Three-Year “Smartnership” with Happy Hearts Fund
New York – May 5, 2015
Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to rebuilding safe-resilient schools in areas affected by natural disasters, today announced that Lexington Partners, a leading global alternative investment manager, has renewed a three-year agreement, or “smartnership,” to jointly rebuild three schools in Latin American countries. This marks the second three-year pledge that Lexington Partners has made to Happy Hearts Fund. Lexington’s initial pledge, in 2012, has resulted in the rebuilding of three schools for 1,086 children. In 2012, Lexington contributed toward the rebuilding of the Divino Nino Jesus School for 720 children in the region of Chincha, Peru. 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 2014, Lexington contributed toward the rebuilding of the San Francisco de Asis School for 180 children in Cartagena, Colombia.
Commenting on Lexington’s six-year commitment, Petra Nemcova, Founder and Chairwoman of Happy Hearts Fund and a survivor of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, said, “We are truly grateful for the long-term corporate support we have received from Lexington Partners. Happy Hearts Fund has rebuilt 113 schools since our inception in 2005, including a record 23 schools in 2014. As Happy Hearts Fund has grown, it is tremendously gratifying that major organizations, such as Lexington, have increased their level of support. Thank you, Lexington Partners, for caring about our mission to rebuild safe-resilient schools in areas affected by natural disasters, thereby restoring hope and empowerment to generations of children and entire communities.”
In conjunction with today’s announcement, Lexington Partners has directed a significant donation toward rebuilding the Jose Emilio Pacheco Berny Telesecondary School in Coscomatepec, Veracruz, Mexico. This school, which has historically been damaged by annual floods, is on schedule to be relocated and rebuilt by June 2015 with the help of Happy Hearts Fund, the Mexican government, the Minister of Education in Veracruz, and Lexington Partners. The new, relocated, and fully-equipped building will be attended by 120 children.
“Petra and Happy Hearts Fund have returned 50,000 children to schools in nine countries and forever improved the lives of 500,000 community members,” said Brent Nicklas, Managing Partner of Lexington Partners, “We are proud of Petra’s achievements over the past 10 years and look forward to continuing our partnership with Happy Hearts Fund for many years to come.”
About Happy Hearts Fund
Happy Hearts Fund is a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding safe-resilient schools in areas affected by natural disasters. Happy Hearts Fund works 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 113 schools and kindergartens. Since its inception in 2005, the Fund’s programs have benefited more than 50,000 children and 500,000 community members. Additional information may be found at www.happyheartsfund.org.