Haiti Happening Fundraiser 2011

With 408 people in attendance and over $30 000 raised, the 2011 Haiti Happening fundraiser for Hôpital Albert Schweitzer was an expression of optimism and support for the hospital and the many players involved. For eight consecutive years this event has been exposing attendees to the realities of Haiti and the hospital’s involvement in ameliorating health care in the Artibonite Valley. 

The sounds of the Pan Piper on his steel drums greeted guests and provided an ambiance of laid back charm for all to browse the silent auction’s unique items, donated by local and Haitian artists. Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre elegantly draped sheer fabric from the ceiling and prepared dinner which was Haitian inspired, complete with corn fritters, pumpkin soup, succulent creole chicken and diri djon djon.

Local celebrity Dave Shuttleworth Jr. provided his talents by animating the event as emcee. Canadian Friends of HAS was honoured to have Jenny Grant, daughter of founder Gwen Mellon, as special guest speaker, offering an inside exploration of life at the hospital.

A video was produced and featured at the event by James and Andrea Harvey who travelled to Haiti this past November with a work team from Hamilton, Ontario. Through poignant interviews from HAS staff and vivid images, the message was clear: donations from Canadians are truly appreciated, highly impactful and necessary for the hospital to operate on a daily basis.  

Behind the scenes was Adrienne Devins, Events Committee Chairperson of Canadian Friends of HAS, and her group of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Their careful planning made the night one to remember. Members of the Board also lent a hand in the bustling background. Prizes included a vacation to Florida and various gratuities from local businesses.

Anyone who would still like to make a donation to Hôpital Albert Schweitzer can send a cheque, made out to “Canadian Friends of HAS”, to P.O. Box 827 Hamilton, Ontario, L8N 3M87, Canada.  Mark your calendar for next year’s Haiti Happening scheduled for Saturday February 25^th, 2012. The Haiti Happening is always the last Saturday in February.