When it’s time for a home-cooked meal, many of us do not think twice about heading into our kitchens to light up the stove. For many families in Haiti, cooking is not that simple; however the Public-Private Alliance Foundation (PPAF) has found a way to remedy that problem. PPAF focuses on business development in Haiti through stimulating entrepreneurship, investment and jobs in the country.

Currently, their main priority is working toward providing two varieties of small cook stoves to families. They noticed Haitian mothers were finding themselves in health-environment-poverty traps when cooking with wood or charcoal.

“Seventy-five percent of the energy used in the country is a major factor in the de-forestation of the island,” said David Stillman, founder and the executive director of PPAF.

The PPAF is hosting a benefit Oct. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to raise money to continue their “Clean Cook stoves and Fuel” initiative. The event will be held in New York City at the Resource Furniture showroom; with a special appearance by New York Giant Selvish Capers. There’ll be Caribbean themed cocktails, hors d’oevres and a silent auction.

Currently, they’re using alcohol stoves; which are convenient because locals can use Haitian sugar alcohol to fuel the stoves, Stillman said.

This provides a new value stream and economic lift for the distillers on one end; and on the other end, consumers get a cleaner, faster and hotter method of cooking.

These stoves help PPAF in their efforts of reducing poverty by bringing together local businesses, and community members.

The first stoves have been imported, but the PPAF hopes to have them locally built in the future. They’ve started a pilot project in Jacmel, where the results have been astounding.
The Public-Private Alliance Foundation Haiti Benefit will be located at 969 3^rd St., (at 58^th Street), on the 4^th floor of the Resource Furniture showroom. General admission is $75 and $35 for young professionals, under the age of 35.

The event is sponsored by: The Haitian Consulate, GoodGirl PR, Prestige Beer, Barbancourt Rum, vedere.com, and Fleurimond Catering.