CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Text by Sherri K. Oosterhouse Photography by Bill Webster
Over a chilly January weekend, Allegro Foundation . . . a Champion for Children with Disabilities welcomed hundreds of local, national and international leaders to Charlotte in a growing mission as Allegro spreads worldwide awareness for children with disabilities directly from their Charlotte, North Carolina address. While Allegro does not fund or participate in international travel, delegates from Latin America and Europe traveled thousands of miles to attend the three-day second annual Ambassador's Ball weekend, where Allegro's innovative movement education techniques for children with disabilities were taught and will be later implemented around the world.
Building upon the immense success of last year's Ball, Allegro welcomed His Excellency Ambassador Gilles Noghes under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, as Founding President of Allegro's Goodwill Ambassadors.
Pat Farmer, Allegro Foundation Founder/President, emphasizes the importance of attracting international commerce to North Carolina, citing the nearly 1,000 foreign-owned firms that employ more than 50,000 Charlotteans. Ms. Farmer continues, Allegro is a catalyst for growth in the business community. We facilitate new business connections by inviting a new honorary chair each year, an ambassador representing a country with strong economic ties to Charlotte, and encouraging this Ambassador to meet with local business leaders during his or her stay.
This year, Allegro welcomed the 2011 Ambassador, His Excellency Ambassador of Ecuador to the United States and United Nations, Luis Benigno Gallegos Chiriboga and his wife, Mrs. Fabiola Gallegos.
Sharing Cultures The weekend began with a visit to Beverly Woods Elementary to observe one of Allegro's free weekly movement education programs. Ambassador Gallegos and his wife participated alongside students with disabilities as they demonstrated Allegro's innovative movement education techniques pioneered by Founder/ President Pat Farmer.
Photography by Bill Webster Alleg2 Allegro students perform for the guests
The morning was followed by a speaking engagement at UNC-Charlotte hosted by the Department of Global, International and Area Studies. Students and faculty convened in the Cone Center, as Ambassador Noghes began a discussion of Monacos constitutional monarchy lead by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. Ambassador Noghes also shared the complex history, economic development, and the rapidly growing banking industry of Monaco before answering questions from the audience.
Next, Ambassador Gallegos, Chairman of the Global United Nations Partnership for Inclusive Information and Communication Technologies, spoke about Ecuador's many recent triumphs and struggles. According to Dr. Harry Chernotsky, Chair of the Department, Ambassador Gallegos powerful messages about human rights and economic development provided deep insight into issues that many university students may have not been taught in their classrooms.
Dr. Chernotsky expressed his appreciation of this partnership, thanking both Ambassadors for bringing these important concerns out of the shadows and discussing them so openly with future leaders of the next generation. Crowning Jewels Luce Ristorante was the site of the Crown Lunch, hosted by His Excellency Gilles Noghes, Ambassador of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Host of the Ambassador's Ball, Felix Sabates, and Hugh McColl were among the many locals who took part in the luncheon.
The evening was capped off by the Ambassadors Feast, where guests and dignitaries celebrated at the official pre-party to the Ball. Held in the penthouse suite of Wall Street Capitol, the event was graciously hosted by Diane and Rick Siskey, founder of Wall Street Capitol, along with Diamonds Direct and Zebra Restaurant. A commemorative Key Pendant, created by Diamonds Direct to honor the host country each year, was unveiled at the feast and later auctioned at the Ball. Last year's pendant represented Monaco, and this year's represents Ecuador.
We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this experience a success, said Farmer.
Ambassador's Ball Felix Sabates' Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte dealership set the stage for An Evening in Ecuador, as Honorary Chairs Ambassador and Mrs. Luis Gallegos welcomed 250 guests into exquisitely decorated showrooms transformed to radiate the tropical enchantment of Ecuadorian rain forests.
Wells Fargo Private Bank was the Official Platinum Presenting Sponsor. As Allegro Board Member and Wells Fargo Senior Private Banker John Muller explains, The Ambassador's Ball Weekend may only last three days, but our investment will have a long-term impact on the lives of thousands of children with disabilities and the economic climate of our great city.
Dealership owner, Sabates, and Ambassador's Ball Chair, Mimi Fitz, provided a memorable experience as donors danced to Gloria Estefan's house band, Caliente, and enjoyed cuisine from Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and Luce Ristorante paired with fine wines and Ecuadorian Ceviche.
Photography by Bill Webster Alleg1 Michele Schultze reads from her book, "Peace"
During dinner service, Allegro Foundation's students with disabilities came forward to demonstrate the educational, problem-solving, sequencing, motor and mobility skills they have learned in Allegro's free weekly movement education classes.
Angel Paez, an Allegro student who is visually impaired, shared beautiful songs in honor of Ambassador and Mrs. Gallegos.
The most memorable moment of the evening was presented by long-time student Michele Schultze, who shared her intimate life story from her touching autobiography, Peace. Michele, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, choked back tears as she told how Allegro has helped her find peace in being different and has taught her to look at the upside of life.
Stories of feeling different are not uncommon among the 500 children with disabilities involved in Allegro programs and some 15,000 children living with disabilities in Charlotte, said Farmer. That's when we all come together with the same goal that change happens.
Allegro Foundation exists solely on the generosity of private donations. With 700 volunteers each year and growing community support, Allegro can teach the upside of life to more and more children living with disabilities.
For additional information please contact Allegro Foundation at 704.412.5229 or pfallegro@aol.com. To learn more about Allegro, visit allegrofoundation.net. Allegro Foundation does not discriminate against any type of disability.
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