ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION OF HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE JANUARY 12th

For Immediate Release
Contact: Diane Gaillard
804.457.8280
www.adopthaitiproject.com

Adopt Haiti, American Red Cross, Bon Secours, SunTrust Collaborating

The January 12 earthquake that affected more than 3,000,000 Haitian people brought the world’s attention to a country that for generations had already faced insurmountable odds. With more than 230,000 dead and 300,000 injured, people from around the globe responded to the needs of a people that learned long ago how to face overwhelming circumstances with a spirit that was now inspiring the world.

On January 12, 2011, Adopt Haiti Project, in conjunction with several other organizations and communities of faith, is hosting events to pay tribute to that spirit and to acknowledge the outpouring of support that was realized worldwide. The day will begin with a 9:00-11:00 a.m. service at Third Street AME Church, 614 North 3rd Street, Richmond, 23219 and conclude with a 5:30-7:00 p.m. business forum at SunTrust Bank, 919 East Main Street, Richmond 23219.

Diane Gaillard of “Adopt Haiti” views the day as a time of reflection and community, but mainly a time to look forward. “Our morning service will be one that recalls those who died, but also a means to celebrate the world’s generosity and look to how we can continue that much needed support. People are still dying. People are still living in tents. We all need to still be visible.”

Music at the service will include choirs from Virginia State University and John Marshall High School. Also West African drumming and dance will pay tribute to the nation’s heritage and spirit of strength. The Haitian National Anthem will be sung by Haitian soloist Maria Roy. Speakers include The Rev. Godfrey Patterson, the church’s pastor, with Antoinette Essa, CBS 6 personality, serving as master of ceremonies. The service will conclude with the release of 100 red and blue balloons.

The business forum will include Reginald Gordon, Esq., Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross; Vernique Pluriose-Fenton, public liaison to the Haitian Diaspora and the American Red Cross; Danny Yates, William and Mary student who was in Haiti during the earthquake and president of Hinche Scholars; James H. Cottrell, Deloitte Touche Financial/Global Corporate UN representative; Patrick Eugene, Haitian student from James Madison University and president of the Haitian Organization Chemen Lavi; Diane Gaillard, executive director of Adopt Haiti Project and Dr. Patrick Sapini, chair of Adopt Haiti Project.

One purpose of the forum is to allow organizations to share their progress and challenges in responding to the aftermath of the earthquake.

The “passing of the baton” from the American Red Cross to the Adopt Haiti Project will also be introduced at the forum. Local organizations are encouraging individuals and groups that would like to assist in Haiti relief to now work through the newly formed “Adopt Haiti Project.”

Mr. Gordon explained, “Should another disaster hit Haiti, the American Red Cross will respond with the vigor that we always do, accepting donations and providing immediate assistance. Our role is that of a disaster relief organization. As a result of the earthquake, we became more aware of numerous people and organizations in this community that have a presence in Haiti. Someone needs to be the convener of all of the Richmond based groups who help, in order to better leverage our support to Haiti. What better group to do that than the Haitian-Americans living right here in our community? We are fortunate to have the Adopt Haiti Project.”

“I envision this to be a means of continuing and growing Haitian awareness in Richmond,” continued Ms. Gaillard. “Because of my experiences as a Haitian-American I have a strong desire to help communities come together and I believe Adopt Haiti will do that.”

UKROP’S SUPER MARKETS , FIRST MARKET BANK AND THEIR CUSTOMERS AGAIN SUPPORT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 4, 2010
Contact: Bill Harrison

804-780-2256

Over $112,000 Being Donated to Haiti Relief Efforts

“Whenever a disaster strikes, Americans know the Red Cross will be there. The same has proven true with Ukrops and First Market Bank,” stated Reginald Gordon, CEO of the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter. “The businesses, along with the allegiance of their customers, have always enabled the Red Cross to provide help to those who call upon us.”

And that help continues. Today members of the Ukrops family along with company associates and customers presented the American Red Cross with a check for $112,383.27 to aid the organization’s relief efforts in Haiti. The presentation took place at the Ukrop’s Carytown store, 3522 West Cary Street, 23221.

Of that total, $62,387.27 was donated by the grocery store and bank customers. “Our customers set the pace for this,” shared Bobby Ukrop, president and CEO of Ukrops Super Markets. “They were asking when the Haiti donation program would begin before we had even worked out the details to set it in motion.” The company pledged to match the customer donations up to $50,000, a goal that was exceeded by over $12,000.00.

“The Ukrops family also contributes to the Red Cross on personal levels through donating time,” continued Gordon. “Ted Ukrop has served on our board for several years and has been stalwart in raising funds and in increasing community awareness of our programs. His cousin, Rob Ukrop, is the chair of our Heroes Campaign which is our major drive for the funding of our local programs.”

The Red Cross has focused on food, water and shelter throughout the initial stages of the relief operation, having spent or committed $78 million thus far. “This operation will continue for years,” said Gordon. “The work has just begun.”

Photos are available on the Chapter’s Facebook page here.

RED CROSS PLEDGES $1 MILLION TO HAITI RELIEF EFFORT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 13, 2010

Contact: Bill Harrison

804-780-2256

804-396-0162 (cell)

RED CROSS PLEDGES $1 MILLION TO HAITI RELIEF EFFORT

People Needing to Trace Relatives in Haiti Should Call 1-888-407-4747

The American Red Cross has pledged $1 Million to the Haitian earthquake relief effort. The organization also plans to send relief supplies from its warehouses in Panama that will help about 5,000 families. “There is an enormous need for food, water, temporary shelter and medical services,” stated Reggie Gordon, CEO of the Greater Richmond Chapter. “We are also being very proactive in reaching out to our local Haitian communities in an effort to support them through this.” The Chapter is contacting other agencies and communities of faith with Haitian ties to survey needs.

For example, the Red Cross has mental health volunteers, professionally trained counselors, who can meet with people who have relatives that they cannot locate in Haiti.

People needing to locate relatives living in Haiti should call the U.S. Department of State at 1-888-407-4747. Department staff will take information, but communications with Haiti is very limited at this time.

“The American Red Cross has an extensive relationship with the Haitian Red Cross and employs several people in Haiti who are directly involved when the earthquake struck,” continued Gordon. “Our main focus on a local level is to connect with Haitian people in Central Virginia to help them through this. Not knowing the status of someone you love can be unbearable and we do not want anyone facing that alone.”

Donations to the Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund can be mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 655, Richmond, Virginia 23218, be made on line at   www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org or by calling 804-780-2250.

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