Co-op members and friends gather for a Guelaguetza Garden Party to raise vital funds for Nest

On June 27th,  Nest and friends at the New York City home of long-time Nest supporter, Meredith Melling, for a Guelaguetza Garden Party to raise vital funds for the organization.

The evening’s festivities were inspired by the Oaxacan festival of Guelaguetza, a summer celebration of indigenous traditions and dance – recreating Mexico’s riot of color, flavors, and craft with activities like flower crown making courtesy by Crowns by Christy; paper fan painting led by Hannah Goff, and Mezcal sipping provided in-kind by Mezcal Union.

Hosts Amanda Hearst, Meredith Melling, Haniya Riaz-Khan, Kiva Iscol, Tara Levy, and Gonzalo Pertile turned out for the event, welcoming Nest Co-op members and guests like Nest Advisory Board member and J.Crew CEO, Jim Brett, and Hassan Pierre, Co-Founder of Maison-de-Mode, who bid on a host of artisan inspired silent auction items like a hand painted Mara Hoffman jacket, Certain Standard’s finely crafted umbrellas, and Sabah Shoes, handmade in Turkey using traditional techniques.

Nest Founder and Executive Director Rebecca van Bergen delivered the evening’s remarks, urging Nest supporters to “remember the importance of community, civic action, and the power of craft to build bridges, spark joy, and encourage mindfulness.”

Serving as Nest’s 2018 annual Co-op Benefit, 100% of proceeds from tickets sales and silent auction items went directly towards raising vital funds for Nest programs to build a handworker economy that connects craftspeople, brands, and consumers in a circular and human centric value chain. Thank you to everyone who came out for this special evening to show your support!

Thanks to our additional sponsors: Meso Goods, Naeem Khan, Melissa Joy Manning, Ranjana Khan, Free People, Loeffler Randall, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and Loeffler Randall.