Galas that Touch you Heart! Denali Foundation Gala

Houston is blessed with many philanthropic and many charity events. Some galas are just fun and at some of them we connect. Last Friday was not just any gala for Sequoia Di Angelo, she had a very personal connection. In July of 2013, world renowned mountaineer Marty Schmidt along with his 25 year old son, Denali were killed on the worlds second highest mountain K2. Sequoia lost both her father and brother.

“Watching the Denali Foundation Gala come to life was an incredible experience,” says Sequoia. “However, preparing and executing the Gala was not an easy task.” With a dedicated team effort The Denali Foundation hosted its inaugural gala on Friday February 27, 2015 at The Houstonian Club with Co- Host Paula Mott and, the backbone behind it all, Hosts Erica Gillum, Michelle Garcia, Jared Lang, Jentry Kelley, Julie Deal, Leslie Wall Hassen, Rama Barazi and Honorary Host Emily Cotton. It was a serene evening with Adrian Hayes.

The Denali Foundation is a non-profit operated exclusively for artistic, educational and charitable purposes. The main mission of the organization is preservation of the artwork of Denali Schmidt and will support the expansion of the minds of young artists. Scholarship programs will be set up in his name so that young talented artists can experience the adventures and can express their creativity.

The guests were mesmerized by the amazing words of so many who were touched by the presentation of Adrian Hayes and Schmidt’s artwork was inspirational. The overwhelming amount of support will benefit new shipments of art supplies that will be sent out over the coming months to underserved and indigenous communities. The gala raised more than $35,000 with a successful sell out of Denali’s art and silent auction.

Spotted at the gala: Scott Brogan, Amber Elliot, Farida Abjani, Lulu Seijari, Shehla Rana, Angel Woolsey, Peter Remington, Jacquie Baly, Rosy Montelongo, Erica Gillum, Rama Barazi, Andi Ruiz, Larisa Minerva, Ian Pollard, Joanne Schmidt Patti, and others.

For more information on the organization please visit denalifoundation.org.

Photo credit: Quy Tran