In news, within 24 hours a story is dead. If tragic enough, its “shelf life” extends to a few days or even a few weeks; as was the case with the coverage on the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Yet, when the heartfelt stories of tragedies and triumph stop circulating the news cycle, the people and the need are still there.
I knew three years ago what would happen overtime in regards to Haiti, Fabrice Armand, philanthropist and creator of the annual Haiti Cherie fundraiser said. People’s attention would drift away and they’d no longer be reminded to care.
To keep attention on Haiti, Armand decided to use his birthday as a platform to honor and celebrate Haitian culture, as well as, highlight those working to better the community. On Feb. 28 Armand will host the third annual Haiti Cherie: Pride, Love, Commitment benefit at New York City’s Broad Street Ballroom. This year’s honorees include, architect Rodney Leon, Mona Scott Young, founder of Monami Entertainment and the Honorable Judge Lionel Jean-Baptiste.
Proceeds for the fundraiser will go to Hope on a String, a nonprofit that seeks to strengthen community and economic development through music, and Haiti is Me, a campaign and documentary, which Armand is one of the producers and co-creator.
“We honor people who have been extremely supportive of Haiti,” Armand said. The “pride” part of Haiti Cherie is about the rich history Haitians have to be proud of.
“The love part is the intrinsic love we have for our people,” he said. “No matter what has transpired with Haiti, one of the great things about our people seem to be the resilience. We have that intrinsic belief that everything will be better, despite how bad it might get.”
Commitment on the other hand is a message to Haitians everywhere. “People need to be committed to bringing about change to the country,” Armand said. “It’s our history.”
Sponsored by Hennessy and Date Valet, the benefit will be hosted by 11Alive Atlanta news anchor DeMarco Morgan; while guests will enjoy food by Chef Ron Duprat of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 6.
