On July 26, 2025, ITIAH Angels for Learning hosted its most vibrant fundraising event to date, “A Night at the Carnaval” held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Lake Terrace Ballroom in Princeton, New Jersey. The evening brought together nearly 200 guests for a joyful celebration of culture, community, and purpose, transforming music, color, and connection into meaningful support for education, safety, and opportunity for Haitian girls. Big thanks to our MC, Marty Appleson, our show manager Lari Hoffman and team, Decor manager Angela Morgan, and all those who ushered during the event, showed up to set up the night before and a big shout out to family and friends who invited their friends to support our mission. How did we do it?
Ushers:
- Robbinsville High School Students-Swetha Subramanian Akshara Krishnamoorthy, Tanishka Mohapatra
- University Student- Zoey Spady
Entertainment:
- Jazz vocalist Miss Lola Coker set the tone as guests arrived, creating warmth and charm
- Tiffany N’ Co Academy of Dance delivered an energetic performances; Owner/Artistic Director Tiffany Hargrett’s passion exceeded expectations
- Live music by crowd-favorite band “Anba Tonel Troubadour”
- Line dancing led by “unstoppable Lady Steph”
Why Entertainment Matters: We honored entertainers who donated services, passion, creativity, and time. Their involvement reminded attendees that when everyone gives back, communities grow stronger and joy becomes contagious. From live performances to curated experiences, their contributions added magic and meaning.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Andre’a M. Morgan, Ph.D., delivered a powerful address. Her journey from Spelman College (Chemistry degree) through Georgia Tech (Chemical Engineering) to Howard University (Ph.D. in Chemistry) and her current role as a key scientist at a global consumer products company generating billions in revenue embodied the transformative power of education.
Culinary Experience:
- Starter: Arugula with toasted hazelnuts, golden raisins, red chicory, orange supremes, and apple vinaigrette
- Main Course: Fillet of salmon in lemon, white wine, and capers; wild rice pilaf; grilled seasonal vegetables
- Dessert: Marble cheesecake with chocolate shavings and berries
- Beverages: Freshly brewed coffee, tea, iced tea, soft drinks, and cash bar
Media:
- Event Photographer-Dimitri Thadal
- Videographer-Sean Keough
- Happy Magazine– Tom Branna
Silent Auction: Featured exceptional, high-end beauty products including fine fragrances from Paris. Guests could bid for just a few dollars on luxury items representing elegance, craftsmanship, and indulgence. Samples allowed guests to experience quality firsthand. We are grateful for all those who donate items for silent actions and to the attendees gift bags.
Dress Code: Formal attire required with Carnaval theme: vibrant colors, Carnaval-themed masks, and beads. All appropriately dressed guests were eligible for evening raffles, creating festive participation.
Results: Nearly 200 guests gathered in joy, generosity, and purpose, generating vital funds for our mission. Guests paid $95 USD per ticket, participated in the silent auction and sponsored students at the EML school. Many generous supporters who could not attend the event submitted sponsorships for students’ annual tuition and sponsored our student volunteers to attend the event free of charge.
Our deepest thanks and gratitude go to our Platinum and Diamond sponsors. Their generous support allows us to keep ticket prices accessible while delivering an exceptional experience for our guests. This is a powerful testament to what’s possible when community celebration is aligned with charitable purpose.
Data Taken from Sadhana Vasanthaku end of year report
English 
Spanish