Actress and “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Garcelle Beauvais is joining an effort that will help leave her mark on the world indefinitely. The star recently partnered with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for its new Pockets of Hope campaign.
The Pockets of Hope campaign aims to improve the narrative about Haiti, Beauvais’ home country. It highlights local organizations in the country that build up the community. The organizations range from providing children with quality education to improving healthcare and creating economic opportunities.
21Ninety had the chance to talk more about the campaign with Beauvais and La June Montgomery Tabron, President and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Garcelle Beauvais and the Pockets of Hope Campaign
21Ninety: La June, can we talk about the history of the Pockets of Hope campaign? When did it get started?
La June Montgomery Tabron: We recently launched the Pockets of Hope campaign at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. But the campaign builds on decades of work the Kellogg Foundation has been doing in Haiti since 2011. After the earthquake, we committed ourselves to Haiti for a generation. We’ve continued to build partnerships with local organizations and learn about the ones who have been on the ground doing this work every day, just committed to improving conditions for our Children and families.
Garcelle Beauvais: I mean, it was a no-brainer. I’ve seen what they’ve done in the past and know they’ve been dedicated to Haiti for a very long time. It made sense, and I love the campaign’s initiative. It’s really supporting the people in Haiti who are on the ground doing the work and giving them the support. We want to bypass the headlines and help people so the good news can outshine the bad.
21N: What types of organizations will receive this funding?
LJMT: We’re looking at the systems and structures that allow children to thrive, like improving and creating a model education system. Hence, every child has access to a high quality early education. These organizations have assisted with that, and we can now double down and bring resources to these leaders at the organizations to help them expand and reach more Children in Haiti.
Love for Haiti
21N: Garcelle, can you tell us the role you want to play in giving back to Haiti?
GB: I’ve been working on behalf of Haiti for a long time. It’s my country, it’s my people. Haiti is in me and will always be. So, I need to use my platform for meaningful things, and Haiti is a no-brainer. I’m proud of my country. It’s made me who I am.
2N: What are some things that inspire you when you go to Haiti?
GB: The people are uplifting, happy, hopeful, and proud. Even if you have nothing, there’s a sense of pride. The food, music, culture, and paintings are all that I remember growing up. They fill me with so much love and joy; I want that for Haiti.
The Kellogg Foundation committed $30 million over the next three years and encourages partners to bring an additional $60 million. There will be over $90 million to continue supporting the local organizations, leaders, children and families daily. You can learn more at haitipocketsofhope.com