NEW YORK–Karastan stepped up to support its 2007 “Statement Maker” Mariska Hargitay and The Joyful Heart Foundation, the charity founded by Hargitay in 2004, for their first benefit gala.
Joyful Heart’s mission is to heal, empower and educate survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. The organization works with rape crisis centers, counselors and wellness practitioners to synthesize all the components of the healing process into retreat and wellness programs. Hargitay said her interest in the cause stemmed from her role as detective Olivia Benson on the NBC series, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Karastan donated the red carpet for the entry to the event and also two area rugs for packages auctioned off during the evening. One such package, which included a 5-by-8 of Karastan’s Plum Blossom rug, had a library theme and included a private party for four friends hosted by best-selling crime novelist Linda Fairstein. The author will name characters in her next novel after the two winners of the literary package, each of whom bid $16,000 for the privilege.
Guests at the gala helped to raise $1.2 million for the Joyful Heart Foundation.