A Supermodel Gives Back to Venezuela

	A Child in Need

The Wayuu people are a matriarchal society. The Wayuu women spend much of their lives in collective groups creating colorful woven crafts and pottery that is sold throughout much of the region.

The best-known of these creations is the Susu bag, a woven bag created by a single woman over 20 eight-hour days that result in colorful original patterns that are all one-of-a-kind, much like the women that create these objects.

In 2005, the Foundation inaugurated its first Roof Project Center, a centrally located community of health centers, preschools and work centers.

The first roof center opened in May 2005. It provides medical and nutritional care, a school that offers children two meals a day and a women's center where Wayuu women are provided the tools and location to create their handcrafts and bags to continue their indigenous tradition while monetarily supporting their families.

Since its inception, Wayuu Taya has helped save the lives of thousands of women and children by creating a structured series of communities where women can support themselves through organized work and offer their children a safe environment for education.

	Help for Latin America

Unlike the well-paid directors of most big charities, Velasquez gives freely of her time and puts all her organizational efforts into Wayaa Tuya's one annual charitable event, which this year is being held at the Bowery Hotel in New York on June 5th.

"In just a few short years, we have been able to make a real difference to the lives of so many women and children in one of the poorest areas of the earth. I am confident that this year's gala event will raise enough funds for us to continue and expand our vitally important projects," Velasquez says.

Each year, Wayuu Taya honors selected women whose charitable passions match the dedication and vigor of Velasquez -- and this year, it's fashion designer Donna Karan.

If you walk the red carpet on June 5th, you'll likely see the white lights of paparazzi bulbs and floor-length gowns you're accustomed to at most big charitable events. As you watch Patricia Velasquez and see her short film and dedication, it will be hard not to admire this woman for giving back so much to people less fortunate than herself.