One of our biggest Nest fundraisers in NYC is the Garden Party, which was a tradition we started last year when Joya had the brilliant idea of throwing an event in an East Village community garden. It was so successful that we decided to do the event again this year…and after six months of planning, a stormy forecast and lots of other fun little quirks that pop up when you plan an event in a completely raw space, we pulled it off once again. We tripled the amount of attendees this year, and raised enough money to fund two new communities in…

Swaziland! Women in Swaziland are usually unable to finish their education, either because of lack of funds or due to early pregnancies. Many of these women are single mothers and also responsible for other dependents, because of the high rate of mortality in Swaziland due to HIV/AIDS.

Sibongile Maseko made her first earring bead less than two-and-a-half years ago. She is now the production manager of Quazi, an eco-fashion line of accessories made from paper waste. She is joined at Quazi by 9 other women artisans, most who have around 7 family members/dependants that rely solely on the small salary the women bring home. Now, Nest can provide Sibongile and her co-workers with access to materials and business education for them to expand their business and continue to bring their families/community out of poverty.

Thanks to all who came out to support this great cause. See you next year in the East Village!