This very special evening of music and art raised a total of $1,753 for organizations which have had a strong presence in Haiti for decades and which will continue their commitment to the country throughout the coming period of recovery and rebuilding.

We are providing the links in case you would like to learn more and perhaps make a personal donation to these non-profit groups:

Money taken at the door ($1,002) is being divided evenly between two international medical assistance organizations with a strong presence in Haiti: Doctors Without Borders and Partners in Health.

The money raised by the sale of the artwork of Nadine LaFond and the Art Creation Foundation for Children ($337) will go to further that foundation's work with the children of Jacmel, Haiti. Having the children's colorful artwork on display and for sale was a special treat!

The money raised through refreshment donations ($77) and the sale of Haitian crafts ($337) will support the work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. The UUSC always works in partner with local organizations which are committed to fair wages, environmental and economic sustainability, and women's rights.

Partner organizations in Haiti include COZPAM, a coalition of community organizations in Mariani and Carrefour; the Papaye Peasant Movement, an organization devoted to the empowerment of small farmers, with the goals of "helping Haiti regain food security, contributing to sustainable natural-resource management, advocating for women's rights, promoting alternative energies, and building people-centered rural communitie"; the Regional Coordination of Southeast Organizations, an association of rural and community groups, and The Lambi Fund, which supports peasant-led projects in rural Haiti.

We are very grateful to the non-profit group Aid to Artisans, which sold us Haitian crafts at wholesale prices in order to support this fundraiser. They describe their work this way:

"We create economic opportunities for artisan groups around the world where livelihoods, communities, and craft traditions are marginal or at risk.

"We blend a passion for the deep-rooted cultures and handmade traditions of the developing world with a commitment to building profitable businesses. Environmentally sound practices are at the foundation of our methodology. We recognize that we can only bring lasting economic growth if we provide an integrated approach to product development, business skills training, market access and eco-effective processes."