Thursday, March 15, 2012

Alex von Furstenberg and the Naked Heart Foundation: Aiding children through play

A father himself, businessman and philanthropist Alex von Furstenberg has contributed much to organizations that aim to uplift the lives of underprivileged youth the world over. Among these organizations is the Naked Heart Foundation, which is dedicated to providing safe playgrounds for children in Russian cities.

Alex von Furstenberg Photo Credit: sunshineleneforlife.com


The Naked Heart Foundation is built upon the child’s fundamental need to play; hence it is often taken for granted. Nonetheless, play deprivation is a serious matter that can hamper a child’s development. Children in poor urban areas are more likely to be play-deprived because of the socioeconomic and environment factors that keep them from fulfilling their need to play.


Alex von Fursternburg Photo Credit: jenabroad.wordpress.com



Alex von Furstenberg, a native of New York, is Director and Secretary of the Diller–von Furstenberg Family Foundation.

Understanding this fact, the Naked Heart Foundation aims to provide the children of impoverished families in Russian cities a safe place to play. The playgrounds constructed by the organization cater to children of all conditions and abilities, and are designed to fascinate the children’s imaginations and to stand in stark contrast to the urban environment. Over 65 playgrounds have been built overall, varying in sizes and costs.

The organization was founded in 2005 by Natalia Vodianova as a streamlined one-person organization. Today, the foundation still consists mainly of four employees; two in Russia and two managing affairs internationally. More information on the organization and its history can be accessed here.

Alex von Fursternburg Photo Credit: fashionmodeldirectory.com,



Learn more of Alex von Furstenberg’s charity works from his official website.