Entrepreneur and Philanthropists Generosity Inspires at Childrens Ball

The 2014 Children’s Ball raised more money than any previous Ball and featured a dinner prepared by celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck and Nobu and a surprise performance by Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson.  But for many, a highlight of the evening involved a 12-year-old girl, Beyoncé, and a global businessman who had traveled from Asia to attend. 12-year-old Jozlyn Miller, who has sickle cell disease and was treated with a successful bone marrow transplant at Children’s National, had the opportunity to meet noted jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz and create her own designs during a special visit to the hospital last year. Schwartz used Jozlyn's designs to create 18k gold flower earrings (with natural turquoise, pink opal, diamonds) and matching 18k gold bracelet (with natural turquoise, brown diamonds, brown diamond beads). What made the one-of-a-kind jewelry even more special is that it had been worn recording artist and actress Beyoncé Knowles.

For the live auction at the Children’s Ball, Schwartz had donated this one-of-a-kind set, valued at $40,000. It was one of the most popular items, with bids coming from all parts of the room. In the end, global entrepreneur and philanthropist Jho Low, whose Jynwel Foundation was the evening’s Premier Sponsor, won the item with a bid of $75,000. Jozlyn, who was in the audience modeling the jewelry, then assisted co-chair and emcee Bret Baier with the evening’s “call for cash,” which helped put the night’s total to more than $10 million. Toward the end of the evening, Mr. Low stunned the 850 attendees, and especially Jozlyn, when he announced that he wanted Jozlyn to keep the jewelry. After the program had concluded, Mr. Low, Jozlyn and her family, and Lorraine Schwartz had the opportunity to meet Jennifer Hudson. It was a night to remember, and Mr. Low’s gesture was a powerful reminder that the evening was not about food or entertainment, but children.