Sharon and Bill Jacob, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
In 2013, Sharon and Bill Jacob began hosting an Annual Holiday Luncheon at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. It was an intimate gathering that brought together a small but influential group in support of healthcare and education in Burundi, a rural town in East Africa.
This event has continued to grow in size and commitment. It now raises support for the Kigutu Hospital and Women’s Health Pavilion, an 85,000-square-foot hospital in the mountains of Kigutu that opened in June 2023.
Explorer’s Club’s festive atmosphere, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
On Wednesday evening, the Jacob family hosted a fundraiser at the iconic Explorers Club. The event, attended by an eclectic group of more than 130 Manhattanites, supports Village Health Works (VHW) and its ongoing projects like Kigutu Hospital, ensuring donors see how their contributions make a difference in Burundi’s healthcare and community programs.
Cool entertainment – photo by Marilyn Kirschner
The evening, full of festive cheer, showcased how Village Health Works unites a community of supporters, inspiring pride and a sense of belonging while celebrating the holiday season and supporting a vital cause that helps many mothers, children, and families in Burundi receive life-saving care and education.
“When I first agreed to host an event for Village Health Works, I did not realize that 12 years later it would become a permanent December fixture, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Tonight is about compassion for community and the belief that doing even a little good in this world comes back 100-fold.” — Sharon Jacob, Board Member, Village Health Works
Sharon Jacob holding a picture of her and husband Bill, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Sharon never misses an opportunity to be festively dressed for any occasion. She uses her personal story to advocate for the importance of VHW’s work, particularly for maternal and emergency health services in Burundi. Jacob attended the opening of the Kigutu Hospital and Women’s Health Pavilion in June 2023, signifying her deep commitment to the organization’s growth.
Thanks to the dedication of the Jacobs and the generosity of supporters, VHW continues its vital work, providing essential services and hope to those in Burundi, reinforcing trust and confidence in the organization’s ongoing efforts.
Erin Lazard and Kokin, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Among those present were influential supporters like VHW Founder and CEO Deogratias Niyizonkiza, whose leadership inspires admiration, and others like Mark Gilbertson, Theory CEO Andrew Rosen, renowned milliner Kokin, literary agent and vintage collector Meredith Bernstein, stylist Erin Lazard, Jill Sand, and Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Sharon Jacob center, Valerie Steele right, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
I couldn’t help but remark to Valerie that the last time I saw her was in September, at the FIT Couture Council Luncheon honoring Balmain’s Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing. In November, it was announced that Rousteing was leaving Balmain and the company would be shifting gears—yet another sign of the continual upheaval in fashion.
As we looked around the Explorer Club’s gorgeous library as we sip cocktails, Valerie mentioned that the club was a perfect venue for a reception for the Museum at FIT’s exhibition, “Expedition: Fashion from The Extreme,” September 15, 2017 – January 6, 2018, curated by Patricia Mears, Deputy Director, Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology who is planning to retire beginning in 2026! Good luck Patricia!
“In these challenging and troubled times, it’s very easy to forget, but it’s important to remember, that the world is filled with truly kind and compassionate human beings, and so many of them are here tonight, and I want to give you an applause and a big hug.” — Deogratias Niyizonkiza, CEO and Founder, Village Health Works.
Mark Gilbertson and guest, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Following the cocktail hour (artful hors d’oeuvres included the tiniest sliders I’ve ever seen), there was a slideshow, and personal remarks were made by Sharon and Bill Jacob, along with VHW CEO Deogratias Niyizonkiza (better known as “Deo”) and Megan Newman.
Dr. Barry Weintraub, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Bill Jacob paid tribute to Dr. Barry Weintraub, who unexpectedly passed away last month. The prominent New York-based plastic surgeon generously donated a much-needed electric skin dermatome to Kigutu Hospital in Burundi to improve the care of skin grafts for patients.
Sharon Jacob, Megan Newman, Deogratias Niyizonkiza, Bill Jacob, Jill Sand, photo by Marilyn Kirschner
Burundi has no running water or electricity, and most people live in huts. Fire hazards are common, and many children suffer severe burns. Bill announced they are placing a plaque (gifted to Barry’s partner, Jill Sand) in the hospital in Kiguto, in Barry’s honor, thanks to his generosity.
Megan Newman, a dedicated VHW board member, admitted she is feeling more than a little despondent about our country’s pullback in providing aid to the neediest among us and it’s turning its back on the most destitute countries. She wanted to step in and fill in that gap.
With so much positive energy and so many incredible clinicians at the hospital, VHW provides the community with the kind of wraparound care we all deserve, which is why Ms. Newman loves the organization and is very involved.
