In December, during Art Basel Miami, the Woman’s Club hosted one of the most significant events of artist Alex Righetto’s career.
Organized by the artist in collaboration with the Stacy Francis Music Arts and Education Foundation, the evening was dedicated to raising funds for charitable initiatives aimed at fighting human trafficking in the United States.
Righetto has long been sensitive to issues affecting young people, mental health, and the profound changes that technology is bringing to the way we communicate and relate to one another. While digital platforms have created new opportunities for connection, they have also introduced new vulnerabilities, particularly for young people who may find themselves interacting with strangers online.
For the occasion, Righetto joined forces with Paul Hutchinson for an evening attended by entrepreneurs, collectors, and philanthropists from across the United States.
Set in an elegant and international environment, the event brought together art, culture, and social commitment. Righetto presented his Radiance collection, a body of work dedicated to celebrating female beauty and its value, standing in contrast to any form of violence, exploitation, or abuse.
Several works from the collection were also made available for charitable purposes, helping raise funds to support organizations and initiatives working in the social and humanitarian fields.
The exhibition was further enriched by an exceptional selection of works made available by private collectors in support of the initiative. Among them were a work by Pablo Picasso, a Degas, fifteen works by Andy Warhol, and several other significant pieces of modern and contemporary art.
The presence of these works created a remarkable dialogue between Righetto’s Radiance collection and some of the most influential names in modern and contemporary art. It was an exceptional evening that brought together art, philanthropy, and a community of collectors around a shared cause, giving Alex the opportunity to present his work within an extraordinary artistic context.
The evening followed a carefully structured program, combining art, recognition, music, and philanthropy.
The event began with the arrival and reception of guests, accompanied by welcome cocktails and light refreshments. Guests were then invited to explore the exhibition and meet Alex Righetto, creating an opportunity for direct conversation and exchange with the artist.
The evening continued with a special ceremony on stage, during which the Mayor of Miami presented Alex with an official recognition for his artistic work and his commitment to the initiative. It was a particularly meaningful moment in the artist’s career.
The program then continued with a live performance by Stacy Francis, who entertained the guests before Paul Hutchinson took the stage to speak about his initiatives and his work in support of vulnerable communities.
Hutchinson was also among the investors associated with the film Sound of Freedom, a project closely connected to the broader issues addressed during the evening.
The event brought together prominent entrepreneurs, collectors, and high-net-worth individuals, many of whom showed strong interest in the subject and sensitivity toward the humanitarian purpose behind the initiative.
The initiative does not end with this evening.
The Distesi Friends association is currently raising funds to support future events and activities designed to increase awareness and promote greater understanding of these important issues.
The goal is to continue bringing together art, culture, philanthropy, and public engagement, using these platforms to keep the conversation alive and support initiatives dedicated to protecting vulnerable communities.
A very special thank you to the Stacy Francis Music, Arts and Education Foundation for fully funding the event and supporting its preparation and execution. The Foundation was the sole financial contributor to the event, covering the costs associated with bringing this important initiative to life.
Here is a deeply heartfelt message from Stacy Francis, president of the Stacy Francis Music, Arts and Education Foundation, reflecting on the creation of the event and the many challenges encountered along the way.
Bringing an event of this caliber to life is never easy. It requires an enormous amount of work, dedication, resources, and, above all, people who genuinely believe in the purpose behind it.
What can be particularly difficult is discovering that some people who present themselves as friends or supporters can, at times, become obstacles rather than allies. Personal interests and individual agendas can interfere with an initiative that was created for a much greater purpose. And sadly, there are situations in which people take advantage of the kindness and generosity of others to pursue their own objectives.
These realities are not always visible from the outside. What the public sees is the final event, while behind it there may be months of effort, difficult conversations, unexpected obstacles, and moments when continuing requires considerably more determination than anyone might imagine.
Stacy’s message gives a glimpse into that less visible side of the story. It is also a reminder that events like this do not happen by chance. They happen because people are willing to invest their time, energy, resources, and, sometimes, their own reputation in something they believe is worth doing.
The art world is a very particular industry. It can bring together extraordinary talent and generosity, but it can also reveal a great deal about the people within it, their motivations, their values, and the way they treat one another.
Ultimately, the people who truly believe in a cause are the ones who remain committed to it, especially when doing the right thing becomes more difficult than simply walking away.
This article was last updated on August 26, 2026 by Alex Righetto
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