Giorgio Armani joined forces with longtime friend, esteemed actor and humanitarian Sean Penn, for a year-long initiative in support of J/P HRO (Haitian Relief Organization). The collaboration named “Haiti: Carnival in Cannes” was launched at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. The partnership will continue throughout the year, with events in Paris, New York and Los Angeles, along with fact-finding missions on the ground in Haiti.
The charity dinner, an official historic event presented by the Festival de Cannes, was hosted by Sean Penn, Paul Haggis, supermodel Petra Nemcova, Gilles Jacob and Cannes Festival executive director Thierry Fremaux. Event chairs were Senator Chris Dodd, CAA’s Bryan Lourd, Giorgio Armani and Roberta Armani. It included a performance by musical artist Lyle Lovett, a concert of RaRa and Racine music performed by RAM.
The event also benefited two other non-profit organizations well known for their extraordinary commitment to the Caribbean nation: Artists for Peace and Justice, founded by director and activist Paul Haggis, and Happy Heart’s Fund, created by model and philanthropist Petra Nemcova. “Haiti: Carnival in Cannes” also helped raise awareness and funds for Penn’s J/P HRO, which he established in 2010 after the devastating earthquake left the country in shambles.
Mr. Armani on Sean Penn and the project: “I am proud to stand alongside Sean Penn, a man cut from a very rare cloth. He first captivated me as an astonishing actor. Then as a respected director. Then as a loyal friend. And now, as a life changer. It is an honor to be a part of Sean’s remarkable life of service by joining his humanitarian efforts for the people of Haiti. For this to come to fruition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival marks a career milestone for me, and demonstrates what happens when you work with Sean, a world-class force of nature.”
