The Latinos for Haiti Relief Coalition had scheduled up to 16 musical acts for its music marathon at The Flamboyan Manor between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The collaboration among 19 North Newark area organizations and the local American Red Cross strived to raise at least $10,000.
"We raised over $11,000 and we're still counting," said Hispanic Firefighters Association official and coalition co-organizer Jose Robles. "We had 12 rotating musical acts from 2 p.m. and the manor was packed. We didn't get out until 8."
The last 60 minutes of the marathon coincided with the first hour of the Children's Kingdom International Pageant at Our Lady Help of Christians Glover Hall. The event carried a Haitian tribute theme and called for money, food, medical supplies and toys to be sent via the Yele Haiti Foundation.
The pageant's center runway was lined with Haitian flags, ending with two dolls dressed in the national colors of Haiti. A single eye with teardrop, heralded by a "Crying for Haiti" slogan, formed the stage's backdrop.
The pageant's program also included a prayer and moment of silence and Montclair resident Belandy Gard sang both national anthems. The Orange Performance Ensemble also put on a musical tribute for Haiti.
"We're still getting back to our sponsors to collect donations," said pageant organizer Jude Deronceray, who lost his father and aunt in the Jan 12 earthquake. "I'm planning to take as much as I can to Haiti when I fly there later this week. I'm going to see my relatives first and then see how best to apply what I've taken with me."
Both drives are examples of continuing grass roots efforts to help some nine million Haitians recover from the Jan. 12 earthquake. A 7.0 tremor struck about seven miles south of the Port-au-Prince capital at around 5:30 p.m., causing at least 250,000 fatalities and destroying most of the Hispanola island nation's infrastructure.
"We're fortunate that we've been chosen to send funds and aid to Haiti, and that our people trained in day-to-day and international disasters are in Florida and Haiti," said American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey Chief Executive officer Ray Shepherd. "What's impressive is that the local fundraisers are grassroots efforts, done by people who care about other people."
The Fairfield-based American Red Cross chapter includes Essex County in its five-county territory. It supersedes several chapters, including one that was headquartered on the corner of Park Avenue and Washington Street.
Deputy Mayor Margarita Muniz, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Essex County Foundation official Miguel Rodriguez and Association Barranquitenos de N.J. official Ramon Rodriguez announced the progress of the donations, and the Latinos for Haiti Relief was halfway to their goal by 2:30 p.m.
Several dozen ballroom attendees rose from their seats and display tables to applaud the milestone. Some of them, wearing American Red Cross tee shirts, alternated between raising cash and counting their proceeds.
Volunteers like Ramon Rodriguez, Councilman Oscar Gonzalez legislative aide Marc Boulding and Newark Municipal Judge Amilkar Velez-Lopez canned for donations at 147 Verona Ave.
"We at the chamber foundation wanted to do something and Latinos have big hearts," said Miguel Rodriguez. "It took us three weeks to put this together and we began today by going out to the local churches and businesses with our cans."
Miguel Rodriguez said the Sunday fundraiser is separate from another drive that was held at the manor Jan. 31.
"Children's Kingdom started out as an organization seeking a community center for young people but we never found a place," said Deronceray, a former East Orange City Council candidate. "The pageant is our annual highlight. Once the quake hit, we decided on dedicating it to the relief effort."
The pageant's winners were:
- King - Ernst Lozin, 10, of Orange
- Queen - Kimberly Cenexant, 17, Willingboro
- Princess - Bagrielle Rembert, 5, Orange
- Teen - Webda Cenexant, 11, Willingboro
- Pre-Teen: Phara Raymond, 7, East Orange
Those who wish to contribute along with the pageant may go to the Yele for Haiti Center, 2 W. South Orange Ave., South Orange. The center can be reached via (973)378-3330 or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
The American Red Cross of Northern NJ Haiti Relief Fund is located at 209 Fairfield Ave., Fairfield 07004 and can be reached at (973) 797-3308 or redcrossnnj.org.
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