AFTER a four-year hiatus due in part to the pandemic, Everest International Academy resumed its annual Benefit Gala called “Driven: A gala fueled by purpose and hope,” at the Manila Polo Club on Nov. 10, 2023.

“’Driven’ epitomizes the spirit with which the organizers, committee [chairmen] and members, in particular, of this event have relentlessly conducted their work to make this event a success, [and] also the spirit of every member of the Everest family,” Benefit Gala Chairman and Philippine Veterans Bank Chairman Roberto de Ocampo said.

Everest Academy Executive Director Rosa Maria Lopez said the Benefit Gala supported the mission of the beneficiaries and of the academy in spreading the Kingdom of Christ in the Philippines.

“Tonight, we’ll celebrate joy, camaraderie and the shared mission of a better tomorrow. Let us raise our glasses to a night of community and generosity,” Lopez said.

The items in the auction included pieces from Everest’s alumnus Ellis Co, an electric spinning bike from The Finix Corp., club cars from The Turf Co. and two packages of invisible braces from Alina.

Artwork from artists such as Dominic Rubio, Beejay Esber, Joey Cobcobo, Nilo Ilarde, Ejem Alarcon, Hae Ryun, Nunzio Paci, Vincent de Pio, Jomike Tejido, Aileen Lanuza, Katrina Cuenca, Juvenal Sanso, Ram Mallari, Arturo Luz and Imam Santoso were available for auction.

Members of the Everest community also offered their services for the cause such as Fr. Mauricio Guajardo, the Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi and Fr. Simon Cleary.

The proceeds of the auction would go to Everest International Academy, Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ, Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, Family Missions Co., Family Youth and Mano Amiga Academy.