Supporters Raise Funds to Rebuild Bibliothèque du Soleil 

Since the January 12^th earthquake that destroyed Bibliothèque du Soleil, Haiti Soleil supporters from all over the United States have been donating and raising funds to help rebuild the library in the community of Carrefour-Feuilles.  

In addition to individual donations from new and ongoing supporters of Haiti Soleil, a number of events were held in February and March.

    

Two fundraisers were organized to support Haiti Soleil's efforts in Bloomington, Indiana. A silent Auction was held on February 13 at the home of Micheline Fleurant, who organized the event with longtime Haiti Soleil supporter Dr. Nadine Pinède.  Fleurant and Pinède raised close to $1500 to rebuild Bibliothèque du Soleil. On March 9, a number of poets in the Bloomington community came together for a collaborative reading to Benefit Haiti Soleil. Catherine Bowman, Ruth Lilly Professor of Poetry at Indiana University, planned the event, which resulted in close to $800 in donations for rebuilding efforts.  For more information on both events, go to:

http://bloomington4haiti.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/haiti-soleil-auction/

http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/13658.html

In Chicago, board member Celia Bambara, hosted a fundraiser for Haiti Soleil.  The fundraiser, which was held on February 20, included a performance of "When God is not Too Busy: Haiti, Me, and the World" by Gina Ulysse. In Washington, D.C., Phara George Rodrigue organized a Birthday party for her daughter's 5th birthday party on February 27.  In lieu of gifts, attendees donated to Haiti Soleil. 

 

On the West Coast, Santa Barbara Poet Laureate David Starkey hosted a poetry reading in the Fe Bland Forum at Santa Barbara City College on February 28.  The reading featured several prominent local poets including the previous Santa Barbara poet Laureate. Starkey wrote a poem entitled "Bibliothèque du Soleil." Donations and sale of framed original photographs at the event totaled over $2500. Starkey, who is the host of the Creative Community, interviewed Dr. Nadège T Clitandre, Executive Director of Haiti Soleil, on his show a week before the event.  The interview can be viewed by going to: http://vimeo.com/9588325.