Live Updates

Event Post 2 of 2: This past weekend, GEM Executive Board Members India Hicks and Nina Lesavoy hosted the 3rd Annual Hamptons Summer Celebration, honoring the impactful work of Global Empowerment Mission. Set against the stunning backdrop of Nina Lesavoy’s home in Sag Harbor, guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of sunset cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and live music by reggae icon Winston Irie & the Selective Security Band.
As the program began, India Hicks took the stage to reflect on her recent frontline mission to Ukraine with her two sons, Amory and Conrad, where they personally delivered aid to families in crisis. She then raised a heartfelt toast to GEM Founder and President Michael Capponi, applauding his unwavering leadership and dedication. Michael followed with powerful remarks detailing GEM’s mission and global impact-reaching 71 countries to date.

The evening culminated in an exciting paddle raise led by renowned auctioneer Letitia Frye, generating more than $150,000+ in support-an amount that continues to grow thanks to the generosity of attendees.

Adding to the momentum, @twpclothing donated 15% of total sales from their Southampton and Sag Harbor boutiques on event weekend, and in a remarkable show of support, pledged to match the funds raised, effectively doubling their contribution to GEM’s lifesaving work. Thank u Andrew

Notables in Attendance: India Hicks, Nina Lesavoy, Andrew Rosen & Jenny Dyer, Alison Bruhn, Candace Bushnell, Bruce Weber, Nan Bush, Nicole Miller, Fern Mallis, Alina Kurska, Isaac Boots, Pippa Cohen, Carl Bernstein, Katie Cassidy, Stephen Huszar, Countess Luann, Luisa Beccaria Bonaccorsi, Ron and Marta Bloom, Michael Clinton, Scott Woodward, Reed Boren.

Very Special Thank you to @davidflintwood for donating a fabulous Rum bar featuring @idleassembly @idlespirits, and to @fieldbar.co

@michaelcapponi @indiahicksstyle @nlesavoy_ @bruceweber @katiecassidy @stephenhuszar @carlbernstein @nicolemillerlife @candacebushnell @fernmallis @macglobetrotter @3_felix
@wesley_thecreator @dominofw007@amoryflintwood @conradflintwood @alina.kurs_@martabloom @ron_bloom @scottwoodward @majelheart @kariannefields @jakeharris2 ...

Event Post 1 of 2: This past weekend, GEM Executive Board Members India Hicks and Nina Lesavoy hosted the 3rd Annual Hamptons Summer Celebration, honoring the impactful work of Global Empowerment Mission. Set against the stunning backdrop of Nina Lesavoy’s home in Sag Harbor, guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of sunset cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and live music by reggae icon Winston Irie & the Selective Security Band.

As the program began, India Hicks took the stage to reflect on her recent frontline mission to Ukraine with her two sons, Amory and Conrad, where they personally delivered aid to families in crisis. She then raised a heartfelt toast to GEM Founder and President Michael Capponi, applauding his unwavering leadership and dedication. Michael followed with powerful remarks detailing GEM’s mission and global impact—reaching 71 countries to date.

The evening culminated in an exciting paddle raise led by renowned auctioneer Letitia Frye, generating more than $150,000+ in support—an amount that continues to grow thanks to the generosity of attendees.

Adding to the momentum, @twpclothing donated 15% of total sales from their Southampton and Sag Harbor boutiques on event weekend, and in a remarkable show of support, pledged to match the funds raised, effectively doubling their contribution to GEM’s lifesaving work. Thank u Andrew

Notables in Attendance: India Hicks, Nina Lesavoy, Andrew Rosen & Jenny Dyer, Alison Bruhn, Candace Bushnell, Bruce Weber, Nan Bush, Nicole Miller, Fern Mallis, Alina Kurska, Isaac Boots, Pippa Cohen, Carl Bernstein, Katie Cassidy, Stephen Huszar, Countess Luann, Luisa Beccaria Bonaccorsi, Ron and Marta Bloom, Michael Clinton, Scott Woodward, and more.

Very Special Thank you to @davidflintwood for donating a fabulous Rum bar featuring @idleassembly @idlespirits, and to @fieldbar.co

@michaelcapponi @indiahicksstyle @nlesavoy_ @bruceweber @katiecassidy @stephenhuszar @carlbernstein @nicolemillerlife @candacebushnell @fernmallis @macglobetrotter @3__felix @wesley_thecreator @dominofw007 @amoryflintwood @conradflintwood @alina.kurs_ @martabloom @ron_bloom @scottwoodward @majelheart @kariannefields @jakeharris2 ...

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON GAZA

Today, the Government of Israel has officially authorized GEM to resume our humanitarian operations inside Gaza.

GEM is one of only a handful of international organizations officially registered with both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority — a critical distinction that enables us to deliver aid effectively and with transparency.

Over the past 1.5 years, our team has maintained one of the most secure and efficient delivery systems in the region, with only two trucks ever compromised. This is a testament to our disciplined logistics and unwavering focus on one goal: alleviating human suffering by delivering life-saving aid directly into the hands of civilians.

Thanks to our dedicated partners — @hcicanada and FK Logistics — we are now mobilizing the delivery of over 10 million packaged meals in humane kits, each weighing approximately 23 kg. These kits are designed to meet the immediate nutritional needs of families in crisis.

In addition to shelf-stable meals, our @globalempowermentmissionmena branch is also distributing fresh produce kits, locally sourced vegetables, and tested, purified water — a vital resource in a region where over 90% of the water supply is currently contaminated.

We remain fully committed to the people of Gaza and to providing them with the dignity of direct, safe, and essential aid. We also again pray for the release of hostages and a positive and safe way forward for all people. #dignity #humanity #sustenance #water #foodsecurities ...

This week, we were out in eastern Ukraine, overseeing our GEM HGBF food kit distributions. We were in Izium (formerly occupied and now deoccupied) and the Malodanylivka community within the Kharkiv region. We also had the opportunity to visit local Ukrainian farmers and personally witness the new vegetable harvest grown from seeds previously distributed by our team.

In response to growing needs and the increasing number of internally displaced persons across multiple regions, GEM HGBF has expanded its food security program by 38%, effective this month. As of today, our programs in Ukraine, ranging from food security to water and shelter are providing critical support to over 800,000 people every month on a steady and dependable basis.

We are proud to stand alongside these resilient communities, where our support remains both vital and deeply needed. Despite the constant threat of shelling, these individuals continue to live, work, farm, and grow their crops with extraordinary determination—showcasing the strength of the human spirit in even the harshest conditions.

GEM is incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation who makes all our work in #Ukraine possible. ...

Yesterday, our GEM USA West team, together with our incredible partners, made history.

We launched a new chapter in disaster recovery with one of our signature Recovery Pop-Ups, this time introducing a groundbreaking addition: “Hire a Survivor.”

For the first time ever, a job fair was held specifically for families impacted by a disaster. In addition to accessing vital long-term recovery resources, survivors were given something even more powerful, the chance to secure meaningful employment that could change their lives.

This is what true empowerment looks like.

Thousands of opportunities were offered, with over 500 jobs pledged, many providing prevailing wages, high-profile roles, and skilled positions in the trades and construction industries. Recruitment efforts were further strengthened through the support of the LAPD, LA County Sheriff’s Department, and Pasadena agencies.

This event wasn’t just a job fair, it was a life-changing moment for hundreds of survivors and a major milestone in the evolution of disaster recovery. To learn more about these programs, please visit the link in our bio section.

#GEMUSAWest #HireASurvivor #DisasterRecovery #JobFair #FireSurvivors #Empowerment #LongTermRecovery #gemmissions ...

This week, GEM MENA @globalempowermentmissionmena in partnership with SmartAID @smartaidint, successfully distributed fresh vegetable kits to vulnerable families in Khan Younis, Middle Area, and Gaza City, providing much-needed nutrition to thousands of civilians affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Each kit contains a variety of fresh vegetables, essential ingredients for a balanced diet, helping families prepare healthy meals amid an escalating food shortage.

In a place where access to food is no longer guaranteed, these fresh vegetables are more than just produce, they are a lifeline. Every family deserves the dignity of fresh, nutritious food.

A heartfelt thank you to our partner SmartAID and to all our supporters who make this life-saving work possible.To learn more, and how you can support our mission please visit the link in our bio section, or: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org ...

Six months after the devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles County, survivors are still facing the harsh reality of unemployment, fighting to rebuild their lives without the stability of work.

This day is dedicated to YOU - an opportunity to kickstart your recovery, meet with case managers, explore resources, connect with employers, and spend meaningful time with your community.
Free Lunch, Family Activities & Games
Live Music.

SATURDAY JULY 19TH 11AM - 5PM
3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA

To learn more and to support GEM USA West’s LA County Missions, please visit: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/la-county-wildfires/ #LAFires #hireasurvivor #disasterrelief #firesurvivor #empowerment #GEMmissions ...

In the heart of a war-torn nation, hope takes root, one seed at a time.

It’s truly inspiring to witness the harvest from local farms across Ukraine — crops that began as humble seeds distributed by our teams as part of the GEM HGBF Seeds Program. These aren’t just seeds, they are symbols of resilience, dignity, and survival.

Ukraine, often called the breadbasket of Europe, has long nourished the world with its fertile soil and generations of hardworking farmers. Today, despite the hardships of war, that legacy endures. Local farmers are once again planting their fields, harvesting crops, and feeding their communities, all made possible by these humble seed packs.

This year alone, we’ve distributed over 5.2 million seed packs to communities throughout the country.

#hgbf #ukraine #gemmissions #harvest #seeds ...

Sadly the death toll continues to rise following the devastating flash floods that tore through Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. (As of 10pm EST) At least 80 lives have been lost — including 28 children in Kerr County. Authorities report that 10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing. When the floods struck, more than 750 children were attending the camp.

GEM BStrong teams have been on the ground since yesterday, responding with urgency and compassion. We’re providing immediate support to evacuated and displaced residents, including @bethennyfrankel’s BStrong Cash Cards for those in crisis.

Trucks filled with GEM Family Necessity Kits are en route, bringing critical relief to families who’ve lost everything in this historic and tragic event.

Our hearts are with every parent, child, and community member affected.

To support ongoing efforts, visit the link in our bio.

#GEM #BStrong #DisasterResponse #TexasHillCountry #HumanitarianAid #CampMystic #GEMmissions #Texas #Flood #Kerrville #Hunt ...

In response to the recent “boil water” notice impacting residents of Apalachicola, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) has donated 20 pallets of clean drinking water to support ongoing water distribution efforts in the community.

After learning that the Office of Congressman Neal Dunn and other local elected officials were working to assist their constituents, GEM asked about immediate needs and coordinated with officials to deliver water. GEM stepped in to provide immediate relief by delivering pallets of bottled water to affected individuals and families across the region.

Providing rapid support to communities in times of need is at the heart of our mission,” said Michael Kesti, Chairman of Government Relations Group, LLC and lead on this initiative with GEM. “We are grateful to work alongside local and federal partners to ensure families in Apalachicola have access to clean, safe drinking water during this time.”

“We believe that no community should face the fear and hardship of losing access to clean water, added Michael Capponi, Founder and President of GEM. “We are honored to stand with the people of Apalachicola during this critical time.”

The donation, made in partnership with local distribution channels, will directly benefit residents as the city restores water quality following the crisis. GEM’s swift action aligns with its ongoing commitment to empowering communities impacted by natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and infrastructure challenges.

Residents of Apalachicola were recently advised that water is now safe to use following the lifting of the boil water notice, but many families continue to rely on bottled water as systems stabilize. #Apalachicola #Florida @drnealdunnfl2 @kestimw @city_of_apalachicola ...