Rotary Reaches Out to Haiti February 23rd
The local Haitian community in Deep River is joining with the Rotary Clubs of Deep River, Essex, and Chester as well as the Interact Club at Valley Regional High School, to raise funds in an atmosphere of cultural diversity and sharing on Tuesday, February 23rd from 6 – 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Deep River (1 Church Street).
From authentic Haitian cuisine to the sounds of Patois and music, guests will enjoy a taste of Haiti while helping to provide funding for much needed medical care.
The devastation in Haiti can be felt right here in our own backyard. Families in Deep River like Elina Aspilaire, Justa Maignan, and Lauraine Buissereth are still searching for information on family members and mourning the loss of their loved ones’ homes and all that was once Port au Prince.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and organizations including the Whistle Stop Café in Deep River, Essex Printing, the First Congregational Church of Deep River, and Essex Meadows, 100% of the proceeds from the benefit will be directed to the Haitian Health Foundation and Hôpital Albert Schweitzer.
The Haitian Health Foundation (HHF) was established by New London Rotarian and orthodontist Dr. Jeremiah Lowney in 1982. HHF relies on donations from individuals, private foundations, religious organizations, civic groups, schools, etc., to provide health and social services to more than 100 impoverished mountain villages in and around Jérémie—increasing the health and well-being of 225,000 needy Haitians.
Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) is a model for health care facilities in developing countries around the world. In 1954, on the site of a decommissioned banana plantation, Larry and Gwen Mellon built and staffed a medical complex that fit the needs of a neglected rural population. Essex resident Jenifer Grant continues to support her mother and stepfather’s vision. Today HAS provides medical care and community health and development programs for more than 300,000 impoverished people in the Artibonite Valley of central Haiti. Although the hospital experienced serious tremors it was unharmed and the wonderful staff, all Haitian except one, the Swiss Medical Director, were immediately able to begin to care for the injured. Many who were unable to get care in Port au Prince for the first several days made their way to Hopital Albert Schweitzer. They had as many as 600 patients in the hospital at one time, most awaiting badly needed surgical care.
Tickets for the event are $20.00 and are available through any Essex, Chester, or Deep River Rotarian. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door. For more information or tickets, please contact Jeff Mehler at (860) 767-9700.
Links:
Deep River Congregational Church
Hospital Albert Schweitzer
Chester Rotary
Deep River Rotary
Essex Rotary Club
