We had only three days to promote it, yet people turned out in force. If you were among the folks who came out to Fatback on Friday night, give yourself a major pat on the back: you helped raise over $1400 for UNICEF's disaster relief efforts for Haiti's children.
But we're watching a unique kind of event transpiring, here. The body count keeps growing in Haiti and so does the engagement effort from the United States and other countries abroad. As of this writing, text donations have raised over $10 million for the Red Cross, a computer developer camp over the weekend generated an open source map to help coordinate efforts among relief organizations, and a Creole translation application.
Given Haiti's endemic poverty level, we also know that while these relief efforts are saving lives, longer-term relief will also be necessary to ensure that the quake doesn't further destroy an already desperate country. That's why we're taking our fundraising efforts to the next level with an event at DC's Rock and Roll hotel on Wednesday, January 27st.
This event will be focused on two charities: Shelterbox and Partners In Health that either have a long, proven track record in Haiti or creative solutions to the problems currently daunting the victims of the 'quake.
Shelterbox responds to disasters like the earthquake by distributing all-purpose "shelterboxes", kits that include everything a family needs to weather a crisis, such as a sturdy 10-person tent, blankets, a stove, and even coloring books for children. Shelterbox also gives each individual box a unique identification number so that you can track your box from its point of departure to its new home in Haiti. Partners in Health has been operating in Haiti for over 20 years and of all the aide organizations we've taken a look at, they have the best built-in infrastructure in the already chaotic country. They've also been actively recruiting nurses and doctors with emergency room experience to head down to Haiti to help out with all the traumas.
These are two fantastic charities and we can't wait to help them out with this event at Rock and Roll Hotel. Mark your calendars and be there with bells on! RSVP for the event on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=255611608260
Peace,
Drex
