Archive for 'Charity'

National Gallery Tea Party

April 04, 2016
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Charity|donations|Events|Philanthropic & Charity

One of my favourite ongoing community partnerships is with the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI). For many reasons…
#1… I am an artist and love all things creative, especially those that ignite conversation and spark thought.
Also, the NGCI was established around the time I moved to Grand Cayman (approximately 20 years ago). That same year, I met one of my best friends, who went on to become the current Director of the National Gallery. Natalie Urquhart has a vibrant passion for everything creative and is a strong advocate for local and regional arts and culture. My friends are a strong inspiration in my life. and we always have fun.

The annual Tea Party is graciously hosted by NGCI Board Member Ariane Dart in the lovingly designed gardens of her home. She invites a meaningful group of generous friends together for collaboration, fun and to raise money for education/outreach programmes. The NGCI programmes are available to all demographics, sharing an invigorating spirit of creativity. Everyone attending the Tea Party contributes directly and all actively share their love for arts and culture.

As a fellow Creative Cat… I must add that there is an Art to one’s Personal Style and Fashion. That said, I enjoyed seeking out a suitable ensemble… and strong shoes to hike the garden trails. Balancing artistic fashion with Caribbean heat… and I curated a statement of light, breezy and… absorbent. Thank you Janet Jarchow of Better Angle Photography the amazing photo of me (which I don’t often get)… as well as all the great shots as everyone arrived. simply stunning.

I did have a small wardrobe malfunction (post-event)….My kitten-heel-wedge was admitted to the Doctor at #1 Shoe Shop for repairs… that is true, I hiked that hard. I walked through the gardens at least twice, spotting new inspiration with each step. I couldn’t help myself… I was lost in the art of creating visuals.

The NGCI hosts up to six exhibitions each year, the curatorial team balances quality Caymanian artwork with imported inspiration. Thank you National Gallery for all that you. We love you!

Melissa

FULL GALLERY AND ORDER PRINTS… CLICK HERE.

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Hatitude | Cayman Islands National Trust

May 18, 2015
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Charity|Events

The National Trust held its 2nd annual “Hatitude with Gratitude” gala recently at one of Cayman’s iconic historic sites, Pedro St. James. Guests were invited to light up the lawn in their beautiful hats, contributing to a ‘day at the races’ atmosphere and raising funds for benefit of the National Trust’s important educational work which teaches thousands of students the importance of environmental conservation and historic preservation.

A beautiful event full of grace and elegance for a worthy cause.

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National Gallery Tea hosted by Ariane Dart

March 15, 2010
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Charity
Supporting the Arts….
My auction item (family portrait session) was sold for CI$1,500.00 !!
To maximize money to National Gallery…. I agreed to do three sessions, to bring bid total to CI$4,500.00
I’m so proud that local residents with such great taste and esteem place a high value on my photography.
Every year, this event is highly anticipated. The garden tour is spectacular and Ariane Dart is a most gracious host and supporter of the National Gallery.
Only a few photos have captions…. but the elegance of the afternoon is evident in the photos and really need no description.

photo credit: Elke Feuer (because I am in the photo….)
left to right: Ariane’s friend Ashleigh, Natalie Coleman (Director of National Gallery), Ariane Dart, Melissa Wolfe (ME) and Ashleigh Lund.

Ariane Dart, host for the event and Natalie Coleman, Director of the National Gallery
Nisha is not just gorgeous, but one of the funniest and best auctioneers I’ve witnessed. And a good friend of mine too…
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All the guests arrived, welcomed by Ariane and Natalie, and then took the tour of the garden.
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photo credit: Elke Feuer (because I am a Lily girl too)
Owner of The Cabana, Leslie Bergstrom (third from left), brought all her guests adorned with the latest line from Lily Pulitzer.
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The gardens could have kept my attention all day… but there were funds to be raised and fun to be had. these are just a few quick snips before heading in for some champers.
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Catering by Icoa was exceptional and they had all the lovely details sorted.
ahhhhh… afternoon tea.






YCLA 2010 – Five Finalists

March 07, 2010
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Charity
When not shooting photos, Better Angle invests in the betterment of the Cayman Islands. It is so important to get involved in the community in ways that are not just self-promotional. Everyone needs to be generous with their time, wisdom, integrity and their money.
For 11 years, Melissa Wolfe of Better Angle, has been working with the YCLA Foundation. Many of her mentors are Cayman’s most respected leaders, they share a moral compass to team together and steer Cayman and the youth of Cayman in a proud direction.

from left to right: Feliz Manzanares, Melanie McLaughlin, Krishan Welcome, Tammy Ebanks Bishop and Collin Anglin, the 2010 Finalists for the Young Caymanian Leadership Awards.

Cayman Heart Fund – Red Dress Affair

March 07, 2010
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Charity
They say when you need something to just get done, then ask a busy person to help. For many years (ahem… decades), Suzy Soto has taken on challenge after challenge and is a real mover and a shaker in the Cayman Islands.

CHF has a wonderful board of Directors that I need to give the credit too!!!! Dr. Yin and Dr. Cridland have done wonders with the Health4youth, the Symposium, the womens luncheon and the Fair as well as help from Dr. Senthil Kumar and KevinDoyle and the treasurer who keeps everything straight, Karen Bodden. Then we had all the volunteers like Charmaine Moss etc.. etc. so it is a lot of people!

Suzy is a rolemodel for women, personally and professionally. She is a rolemodel of mine! And I am proud to call her my friend. 🙂





Powerhouse Suzy Soto and her daughter Barrie Quappe

See more Heart Fund photos on FaceBook.

Recovering from a busy week – WHEW….

March 02, 2010
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Charity
When not doing professional photography, better angle is involved in spearheading the YCLA (Young Caymanian Leadership Awards), an annual live televised Awards Gala. The black tie event attracts Cayman’s top business and community leaders to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for an evening to celebrate the five finalists of the YCLA. This year’s event was on Saturday, February 20th and it has received rave reviews.

Melissa Wolfe welcoming the live audience at The Ritz-Carlton. Largest indoor venue in Cayman and it was packed full of local leaders.
a view of the staging from where Cayman27 had two of the four TV camera set up. These photos are courtesy www.davidwolfephotography.com

Walker Family – National Trust Donation

December 19, 2009
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Charity|Family Portrait
At the annual Little Cayman National Trust Auction, Janet Walker was the successful bidder for a Family Portrait session with Better Angle. She donated the funds and I donated the portraits. The Coleman Family and Locke Family also bid on the family portrait session and so I agreed to donate three sessions.
Thank you Janet for your strong commitment to our environment and for raising children who understand the spirit of giving back to the community.