Charity President and Jewelry designer Alberto Luzzi brings New York’s philanthropic community together at the Metropolitan Club to support healthcare, education and opportunity in Nepal
We Raise Hope, the nonprofit organization co-founded by Italian jewelry designer Alberto Luzzi, will host an evening of elegance, purpose and philanthropy at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan on Wednesday, November 11th, 2026, with internationally recognized Himalayan spiritual leader and meditation master Yogmata Keiko Aikawa as special guest. The gala will bring together supporters of the organization’s mission to improve access to healthcare, education and economic opportunity in underserved communities in Nepal.
For Yogmata Keiko Aikawa, whose spiritual journey has taken her deep into the Himalayas, the evening carries a personal connection to the region and its people. The Japanese-born spiritual teacher and author has devoted decades to the study and practice of yoga and meditation, undertaking intensive training in the Himalayas under renowned spiritual masters. Her teachings emphasize compassion, inner peace and the importance of extending those principles into meaningful action for the benefit of others.
Her connection to Nepal extends beyond her spiritual experiences. Following the devastating earthquake of 2015, Yogmata visited Nepal, meeting with the country’s president and prime minister and contributing to disaster recovery efforts. Her wider charitable work has included supporting medical facilities, education and social welfare initiatives in India, alongside a long-running international campaign promoting peace. She has also delivered addresses and guided meditation at events held at United Nations headquarters in New York, bringing her message of compassion and human connection to an international audience.
These experiences provide a natural connection to the work of We Raise Hope, whose charitable mission also grew from volunteer relief efforts following the 2015 Nepal earthquake. What began as an effort to help communities recover has evolved into a broader commitment to sustainable development, with locally led programs addressing essential needs in rural Nepal.
Under the leadership of co-founder and CEO Alberto Luzzi, We Raise Hope supports initiatives that bring medical care, educational opportunities, clean water and community infrastructure to areas where access to basic services remains limited. Its projects include support for Bodgaun Primary Hospital, school education and meals, digital literacy programs and initiatives intended to strengthen the long-term independence and resilience of local communities.
Luzzi, an Italian jewelry designer with more than two decades of experience and an eponymous jewelry business in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, brings his entrepreneurial background and personal commitment to philanthropy to the organization. His work with We Raise Hope reflects a belief that lasting charitable impact requires sustained investment in communities, their institutions and the opportunities available to future generations.
The November 11th gala will celebrate that mission while raising awareness and support for the organization’s continuing programs in Nepal. Guests will enjoy a reception and open bar followed by a gala dinner, entertainment and inspiring stories highlighting the individuals and communities at the heart of We Raise Hope’s work.
With Yogmata Keiko Aikawa’s Himalayan experiences and her record of humanitarian engagement providing an international dimension to the evening, the gathering will connect New York’s philanthropic community with a mission rooted in the belief that compassion, education and opportunity can help build a more sustainable future.
About We Raise Hope:
We Raise Hope is a New York-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of underserved communities in rural Nepal through sustainable development and community-led initiatives. Founded entirely by volunteers, the organization works with local leaders and partners to expand access to essential healthcare, education, clean water, technology and economic opportunity. Its initiatives include supporting Bodgaun Primary Hospital in Nepal’s Sindhupalchowk District, funding teachers and medical professionals, improving educational resources and digital literacy, and developing infrastructure that strengthens local communities. Through its commitment to long-term partnerships and sustainable solutions, We Raise Hope seeks to empower children and families, promote self-sufficiency and create lasting opportunities for future generations.
About Yogmata Keiko Aikawa:
Born Yamanashi, Japan, 1945, Yogmata Keiko Aikawa has been interested in and practiced yoga, meditation and health regimens since her teenage. Becoming a yoga instructor, she held classes in many culture centers and actively taught asana yoga to thousands of students.
At age 39, Yogmata first met Pilot Babaji, a prominent yoga and meditation master, who had visited Japan for a television program, and following which, he invited her for training in the Himalayas. Yogmata then traveled to the Himalayas and underwent authentic yoga training for the path to enlightenment, eventually achieving Samadhi, the supreme state of yoga and meditation.
Since 1991, Yogmata has now performed Public Samadhi, which is renowned as proof of enlightenment, 18 times in India, to promote world peace. And has received admiration from all over India. Currently, Yogmata travels the world to guide people to truly essential living through giving lectures and teaching on meditation.
In 2016, Yogmata gave a speech, as a guest of honor, at the International Yoga Day event held at the United Nations HQ, upon the request of the Indian government. In October 2016 and May 2017, she presented keynote lectures and taught meditation for Peace at events held in United Nations.
She is also renowned as an author and has sold over 1,000,000 copies of her books world-wide.
About Alberto Luzzi:
Alberto Luzzi is a fine jewelry house in SoHo, New York, founded by Roman designer Alberto Luzzi and his business partner Nicolas Canal. Alberto Luzzi brings over 20 years’ experience in jewelry to collections designed in New York and crafted in Italy and Bali, ranging from sterling silver and gold vermeil, including the house’s signature silver mesh, to fine jewelry in 14K and 18K solid gold with diamonds, emeralds and aquamarines, with engagement rings and custom-made pieces.
Charity Gala global inspiration Himalayas humanitarian initiatives manhattan New York Events Philanthropy spiritual leader We Raise Hope Gala Yogmata Keiko Aikawa
Last modified: November 12, 2026
