Patricia Velasquez, Iman and Rita Schrager to host the 2nd Annual Wayúu Taya Foundation Benefit honoring Narciso Rodriguez and Jorge and Laura Posada at Ian Schrager's Hudson

The event, which will be hosted by Patricia Velasquez, Iman and Rita Schrager, will kick off with a cocktails & hors d'oeuvres reception for 250 guests on the spectacular 15th floor Sky Terrace at Ian Schrager's Hudson. Celebrated chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, will prepare the menu for attendees of the Gala Dinner to be held on the terrace of the 24th floor Apartment terrace tent and Pommery Champagne and Stella Artois have graciously donated their products for the event. The evening's festivities will also include a silent auction with one-of-a-kind items such as a John Galliano autographed collage, a portrait sitting by famed photographer Patrick Demarchelier and an exclusive Norman Watson photo of Uma Thurman.

"The Wayuu Taya Foundation brings food and water to a population where the malnutrition rate is 38%. It is the only hope for survival that this population has. It is extremely important to me'. – Katie Ford

The Wayúu Taya Foundation was founded in 2002 by Venezuelan actress Patricia Velasquez, (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns and the soon to be released Mindhunters). Velasquez's ongoing commitment to the Latin American community led to the formation of the Wayúu Taya Foundation (translation: I am indigenous). The Foundation has worked tirelessly on behalf of the Wayúu people and provides essential aid and support to the indigenous people of Latin America, who are struggling to survive on a daily basis. Since the first annual benefit, impoverished areas without basic necessities now have clean running water, medical care and nutrition centers servicing 2,800 villagers. Proceeds from the benefit and year-round donations directly fund these much-needed programs.

Patricia explains, "I have always felt the importance of giving back to the community. I have been lucky that my acting and modeling career has enabled me to create opportunities for people who do not have them.' She continues, "In the past year we have saved over 400 lives of women and children in the Colombian and Venezuelan regions where the Wayúu group live. 600 children have recovered from malnutrition. With the funds raised this year, we hope to expand our efforts to include the Mara region of Venezuela. My hope is that the work of the Wayúu Taya Foundation will change lives as well as raise awareness and crucial needed funds for the people struggling in Latin America.'

The Wayúu Taya Foundation is a non-governmental, non-profit organization committed to improving life for the Latin American indigenous population, consisting of over 300,000 people who lack basic necessities such as food and water. Tickets to the event can be purchased at www.ersvp.com/reply/wayuutaya.