A Word From the President
Elsie Craig, COHEF president
IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
On behalf of the Board of Director and the members of COHEF, I want to express my greatest gratitude to all of you who have supported us for the past twelve (12) years. Persistence, patience and hard work have made it possible for the organization to survive that long and without your involvement it would not have been possible.
Even though no newsletter was published because of lack of manpower, our work has not stopped. At least twice a year we send to Haiti: school supplies, toys, clothing (new and used), money for the meal program, etc. Unfortunately, last May we lost 89 cartons due to a fire/arson that took place in the warehouse o Air Haiti Express where our cargo was supposed to be picked-up. Because we were not insured, it was a total loss for us. It was very upsetting, but this challenge did not discourage us, it enticed us to do more because the need is so great. We must not stop, our kids depend on us.
Last July, we organized our first Summer Camp in Kenscoff and it was a success. Forty-five (45) volunteers, including Thomas Bourelly and I from Miami took part in incredible experience. We entertained 300 elementary school children for one and a half (1 1/2) week. They were delighted and so grateful to say the least. We will return this summer and if you would like to volunteer, please contact me as soon as possible for more information. The summer camp will be from July 9 to July 20, 2007. You can join us for the entire 2 weeks if you want or for just a couple of days.
On November 11, 2006, we celebrated our twelfth (12th) year anniversary at "The Renaissance at the Gables". Our theme "Get in the Spirit of Giving" was appropriate for the occasion. We were blessed by the presence of our keynote speaker, Mr. Rene Godefroy, Haitian American, motivational speaker and author of two books: : "No Condition is Permanent" and "Kick Your Excuses Good Bye" . Mr. Godefroy graciously and without hesitation, accepted our invitation and donated his time by traveling from Georgia to Florida to support our cause. Again a huge thank you to you, Rene!
Our Debbie Anglade, a co-founder and Treasurer of COHEF joined Mr. Ed Lozama, well known radio host in Miami as co- hosts for the evening. We again applaud them, they did a great job! Ed also donated his time and talent without hesitation. Thanks, Ed and Debbie! The musical group, PNP (Plezi'n Nap Pran) surpassed our expectation with their Retro-compas music. Also their service was kindly donated. One more time, thank you!
It was a opportunity for COHEF to honor some of its supporters. These individuals/organizations have been very active with u. It was the least that we could do to show them our appreciation for their much needed support. Our distinguished honorees were:
Rev. Charline Manuel & Ms. Charmaine Moses, Unity Center of Miami Rev. & Mrs. Alphonso Jackson, Second Baptist Church, Ms. Patricia Arty, Pre_med student at Stanford University Ms. Berverlie Jones, Herbert Ammons Middle School, Ms. Janie Wynne, Wynne Farm, Kenscoff, Haiti Ms. Margaret Timmer, Thomassin, Haiti
Our Sponsors are to be commanded for their assistance, which contributed toward the success of these evening. They were:
- Mr.ReneGodefroyAtlanta, GA
- GuettyCatering, Miami
- BaldwinFinancialServices, NY
- Mr.IraKurzban,Attorney, Miami
- SirSpeedyBirdRoad, Miami
- AmericanAirlines, Miami
- FurnitureSystemsPlus, Miami
- Jones, Lang, Lasalle, Atlanta, GA.
Again,many,many,thanksforyourparticipation!
It is imperative that we continue our involvement, which is so racial at this time. At the present we are supporting six (6) schools and one thousand (1,000) children under 16 years old. Our main goal is the one-hot-meal-a-day program which is facing a challenge today. The cost of living in Haiti is so high, that I often wonder how the poor people live there. In order to continue what we started twelve (12) years ago., FEEDING OUR CHILDREN ONE MEAL PER DAY, we need your help and commitment now! This is a critical time for COHEF and your support is desperately needed.
On behalf of our children, we are asking you to please extend a helping hand in this endeavor. Let's relieve the pain of hunger by contributing to this worthy cause. Our inertia and complacency towards our brothers and sisters in Haiti can be hurtful. Please, Get involved! Get in the spirit of giving.
"If NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
EDITORIAL
The elders conceived and verified that "L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE". This genuine approach has served us well in time of crisis and can save us again through the current crisis. Our leadership has abused our resources and has not understood that their primary responsibility should have been to provide the welfare of their people. Our society is completely disorganized. Those who used to produce have been caste aside by those who aggressively rob our wealth, while audaciously talking religion and patriotism. Violence is now pervasive. A majority of our people are hungry. We have no "public" health, no "public" school, and our youth is severely discouraged about their future. We once got the colonial powers out to create a proud nation. Today we are paying an army of foreigners to occupy our "Haiti Cherie". Haitian and friends, mercenaries cannot serve our homeland, and a union of honest people can stop the current crisis and start the Renaissance National.
Dear friends of COHEF, we are so grateful for your support. Our youngsters need so much, and we are working diligently to be of help. Friends of COHEF, you are the lifeline of the foundation, and we are optimistic now and are certain that our best is ahead of us. Please continue to help. We invite you to familiarize yourself with our sponsorship, a "hot-meal-a-day" program, and invite others to become members. We welcome new comers. We shall endeavor to keep you inform about our kids.
May God bless you and keep us in your prayers.
IF NOT US, WHO? IF NOT NOW, WHEN?