Petra Nemcova and Friends Celebrate the 'Happy Hearts Fund Land of Dreams: Thailand' Event This Saturday at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Join Petra Nemcova, Quincy Jones, The Edge, Jennifer Hudson, Russell Simmons, Karolina Kurkova and other celebrity guests as Happy Hearts Fund (HHF) kicks off the holiday season in style with their annual benefit titled "Happy Hearts Fund Land of Dreams: Thailand" This Saturday, Nov 20th at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City (6-10PM). This meaningful, fun and educational event is part of a series that will travel to different countries where Happy Hearts Fund rebuilds happy, self -sustaining schools after natural disasters. This year we will take 500 guests on a journey to Asia, where they will experience the magic of Thailand without ever leaving New York through simulated sights, authentic cuisine and traditional Thailand entertainment.

This year, Happy Hearts Fund honors champions of business and entertainment who have shown exemplary generosity even through the toughest of economic times. This year's "Heart of Gold " confirmed honorees are:

• Piriya Knempon, Consul General, Kingdom of Thailand.:

"Thailand was grateful to Happy Hearts Fund and Petra Nemcova who poured in help and support for Thai children after the 2004 Asian Tsunami. We whole-heartedly support the noble mission of HHF to help children in disastrous areas around the world."- Piriya Knempon

• Quincy Jones, Grammy Award winning music icon (He will receive a Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement award):

"With Petra's positive spirit, Happy Hearts Fund empties the cup every time, and it comes back twice as full." - Quincy Jones

• Carlos Muriel, CEO ING Latin America:

"Being an honoree of the Happy Hearts Fund (HHF) is a wonderful tribute to the passion of both the employees of ING Latin America and of Petra and the Happy Hearts team to one sole purpose – the positive transformation of the lives of children affected by natural disasters" - Carlos Muriel

• Edith Lutnick, Esq, Executive Director, The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund.

"In times of tragedy it is vitally important that children are provided with the stability and structure that comes with attending school. The Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund is honored to assist Happy Hearts Fund in giving children that ability in Haiti." - Edith Lutnick

The event will culminate with exciting musical performances by:

• John Forte, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer

• Jennifer Hudson, Academy and Grammy Award winning artist.

Sponsors for the evening's event include ING, DLA Piper, Continental Airlines and HP.

About HHF:

Happy Hearts Fund (HHF), founded by Petra Nemcova in 2005, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving children's lives through educational and sustainable programs in natural disaster areas. Globally, HHF is active in nine countries and has built or rebuilt 48 school and 27 computer labs. Since inception their programs have benefitted more than 31,000 children and 334,000 community members. HHF receives specific donations to underwrite all administrative and fundraising expenses allowing all public donations to support the children.

SOURCE Happy Hearts Fund