A Night of Art, Impact, and Conservation: Margarita Howis Illuminates Wild Tomorrow’s 10th Anniversary Gala
- OvonoAgency
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
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A Landmark Celebration at The Plaza Hotel
Wild Tomorrow, the renowned environmental conservation organization dedicated to safeguarding wildlife and wild places across Southern Africa, celebrated its 10-year anniversary gala at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York City. The evening brought together philanthropists, conservation leaders, and creative visionaries for a mission-driven night that raised over $1 million for wildlife protection.
Guided by the organization’s co-founders, John Steward (Co-Founder & Executive Director) and Wendy Hapgood (Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer), the gala served as both a tribute to a decade of meaningful impact and a renewed call to action for the future.
Margarita Howis: The Artistic Heartbeat of the Evening
Among the many unforgettable moments, one stood out as the emotional centerpiece of the night: multidisciplinary artist Margarita Howis’ live painting performance.
As guests mingled during the cocktail hour, Margarita stepped into her creative arena, transforming a blank canvas into a powerful visual narrative. In real time, she created a striking lion portrait, chosen as a symbol of leadership, guardianship, and the wildlife that unites the Wild Tomorrow community.
What unfolded was more than a painting; it was performance, storytelling, and advocacy woven together stroke by stroke.
Holding the Room of 400 Guests
With more than 400 attendees watching, Margarita’s process became a living metaphor, each brushstroke echoing the fragility, strength, and beauty of the natural world. The energy in the room was electric, her presence anchoring the evening with both intensity and grace.
Later in the night, her completed lion portrait and pieces from her wearable art line became part of the fundraising efforts, contributing to the total that surpassed $1 million.
A Masterful Auction Led by Louis N. Buckworth
The night’s live auction was orchestrated by Louis N. Buckworth, whose charisma and expertise elevated the momentum of the room. With his seasoned auctioneering, the bidding became a thrilling display of generosity and shared purpose. Margarita’s artwork became one of the highlights, not only as an artistic achievement but as a tangible force for conservation.
The Power of Collaboration
Partnering with Wild Tomorrow for such a milestone was a deeply meaningful moment for Margarita. The artist reflected on the experience as one of the most intense and significant nights of her year, a fusion of artistry and activism that left a lasting imprint on everyone present.
Gratitude and passion echoed throughout the evening: gratitude for the team driving Wild Tomorrow’s mission, for the supporters who showed up with heart, and for the collective belief that protecting wildlife is both urgent and achievable.
A Vision for a Wilder Tomorrow
The 10-year anniversary gala was more than a celebration; it was a testament to what can be accomplished when creativity, community, and conservation collide.
Wild Tomorrow’s mission “to fight for a wild tomorrow in Southern Africa” continues with renewed strength, fueled by extraordinary partners, dedicated leaders, and artists like Margarita Howis who bring the spirit of the wild to life through their work.
