On-campus, silent auction raises money for survivors in Haiti

At the Sullivan Science building last Thursday night, anyone entering the building was greeted by a sea of red shirts - students, faculty and Greensboro residents gathered together in support of the citizens of Haiti.  Zanmi-UNCG (“zanmi” is the Haitian Creole word for partner) held a benefit Jan. 28 from 7:30 to 9:30, to raise money for the country devastated by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Jan. 12.  After the disaster struck, UNCG students and faculty joined together to create this group, committing to help the island nation.  The fundraiser featured a silent auction, raffle drawing and a variety of musical performances.

Volunteers and coordinators from Zanmi-UNCG wore red shirts decorated with red and blue ribbons, the colors of the Haitian flag.  Dr. Joan Paluzzi, an Associate Professor of Anthropology stated, “While we wanted people to know who the volunteers were for the event tonight we also wanted them to know the full support we offer, which is why we chose red shirts because the color signifies strength and determination.”  Throughout the night, images of Haiti and its people were displayed in a slide show in Mead Auditorium. 
The silent auction was open for two hours and individuals attending the event could bid on everything from handmade jewelry, a pet gift basket, hand knitted scarves, four rounds of golf, Haitian steel drum art, and two dozen homemade cookies a month for one year, just to name a few.  Reem Disu, a senior at UNCG, was ecstatic over her win of a blue and yellow checkered UNCG scarf and tie.  “I won these two items for just 16 dollars, even though they were originally valued at over 50 dollars.  What makes me the happiest is knowing that my money is going towards a great cause.  People ask, why should the U.S. donate to Haiti when we are in so much debt ourselves?  I say, anything we can donate helps these victims gain access to food, water and medical treatment.

The more we support, the more we show these people that we do care and have compassion.”  In addition to the silent auction a raffle drawing was held in which participants could win restaurant gift certificates, salon and spa gift certificates, or even henna designs by Zarrin Henna.  The biggest raffle prize was a gift certificate for a family of four to the REI Outfitting store, valued at $700.  Several musical acts entertained guests throughout the night - Do Right, a jazz ensemble that performed several Latin American jazz numbers; Dream Killer, a punk rock-inspired band; and The Latin Rio Trio, which played Brazilian songs. 

When asked about the turnout, Sarah Livengood, a student and member of Zanmi-UNCG, spoke highly of the success in spreading the word about the event.  “The Greensboro community has been absolutely wonderful in helping us (Zanmi-UNCG) put this fundraiser together.  They’ve really come together to support and help Haiti.”

All of the proceeds raised during the evening will go straight to the international medical relief agency, Partners in Health (P.I.H.).  Partners in Health has been working on the ground in Haiti for the past 20 years and since the earthquake struck the country, workers have been providing round the clock medical care to the Haitian people. 

“I’ve worked with Partners in Health before, three years before coming to UNCG, so I know what a reputable and worthy cause they truly are.  We are hoping that the money donated tonight will help to give P.I.H. the resources that they need to assist the citizens of Haiti; this organization knows specifically what needs to be done for them.” said Paluzzi. 
Students can stay up-to-date on the relief efforts in Haiti through the blog of the Office of Leadership and Service-Learning at http://uncghaiti.wordpress.com/?ref=spelling.