We miss you already! It's only been a week since the extraordinary Hearts for Haiti Artistic Marathon ended and we remain thrilled with the experience. We hope you feel the same way. So, we are proposing a get together next Wednesday to celebrate as a way to extend a hearty thanks to everyone involved in the HeartsForHaitiNL fundraiser. And by everyone we mean Committee Members, Volunteers, Sponsors and Performing Artists.
From a simple face book message, an idea grew to become a major undertaking by the St. John's and area artistic community and allot of dedicated volunteers. Everyone associated with HeartsForHaitiNL pulled together in just nine days to put off a multi-day-event which raised $19,000.00 for Haitian relief projects. Matched by the federal government, that means we collectively raised $38,000 for the residents of Haiti.
We would like to recognize and thank each of you for your time. With today's hectic pace, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the time to give back. Personal schedules are jam-packed and the free time one has to support worthy causes is often limited. We truly appreciate the commitment you have made to the campaign by giving of your own time. In celebrating we want to invite you to spend an evening celebrating our achievement with your fellow volunteers.
We invite you all to the Masonic Temple on Wednesday February 17th. The party starts at 7:00 pm. Molsons have generously donated beer to help celebrate and the bar will be open with special staff pricing for spirits and wines. We propose we do potluck so if you would like to bring your favorite munchies, bar snack, or finger food to share with your fellow volunteers, that would be awesome. Lets make sure we make this a real party - so feel free to bring an instrument, your voices, and of course, your big hearts. We want to see all those who participated in this amazing event so we can properly celebrate together!
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For example the Hearts For Haiti Relief Fund Committee consisted of Michelle Stead -- Committee Chair, Brock Ballard -- Literary Talent, Jaime O'Leary -- Volunteer Coordinator, Keith Soper -- Media Relations, Deborah Wells Smith - Media Coordinator, Kirk Newhook -- Talent Recruitment plus Technical and Entertainment Line-Up, Terry Rielly -- Entertainer and Event MC, Apryl Stead -- Social Media and Photographer, Dave Pitts -- Webmaster, Dawn Corner -- Logistics Coordinator/Secretary/Finances, Deborah Harding - Bell Aliant Liaison & Marketing Support, Don-E Coady -- Graphic Artist, Bonnie Lundrigan - Children's Education, Linda Dunn -- Talent Recruitment, Shelley Neville -- Talent Recruitment/Performer, Sheri-Lynn Bussey -- Family Day Coordinator, Peter Halley - Performer - Sunday Special Evening, Lynn Andrews - Sunday Night Stage Manager, Terry Reardon -- Silent Auction Coordinator, Paul Bugge -- Manager - Spirit of Newfoundland, Renee Alexander - Venue Manager - Spirit of Newfoundland.
SPECIAL THANKS go out to The Telegram and to the variety of artists who so quickly and readily reacted, Kirk Newhook of Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues, Don-E Coady of DC Graphics for his graphic and artistic support, Keith Soper for getting us on the air so quickly, Dawn Corner for her great organization skills, Brock Ballard and his RAFT (Recovering Addicts Team) for keeping us anchored, the Hub, the Musicians and talent for coming forward so quickly, Terry Rielly for his joy, new songs and original idea to mobilize musicians, Bell Aliant, Ray of Light Photography, Music City, Rogers Television, "Out of the Fog" and Krissie Holmes, 24/7 Security Services (MAHAR Group), Dave Pitts Web-Designer, DMK Chartered Accountants, Eye for Design, the St. John's International Women's Film Festival, Memorial University School of Music, Copy Canada, Molson's Canada Terra Nova Foods, Saltwater Images, Dominion, Sobeys, VOCM, K-Rock, Hits-FM, OZ_FM, Radio Newfoundland, NTV, CBC Radio, Angela Antle of CBC's WAM, 101.1 Coast FM, CHRM, SNAP, The Muse, Music NL...yes! a LOT of people.
The VOLUNTEERS led by Jamie O'Leary included Alyson Hodge, Andrea Edison, Andria Zimmermann, Ashley Snook, Austin Young, Brad Lambert, Mary Walsh, Crystal L Hynes, Daphne Noel, Derek Harding, Dougie Webber, Duane Conway, Elaine Henley, Lynn Andrews, Gerard Lahey, Gerry Sullivan, Gillian Crane, Gloria Williams, Jamie Lewis, Janet Burchill, Janine Rice, Jeannie Mcfarlane, Jeff Patey, Jennifer Crowe, Jennifer Trask, Justin Fancy, Karen Chafe, Karen LeMessurier, Katie Stenson, Gracie Wells Smith, Emily Power, Kristy Anderson, Laura Coultas, Lindsay Collins, Lisa Rowe, Marie Keefe, Matt Lahey, Megan Donahue, Melanie Smith, Michael Neville, Mona Perry-Hillier, Niki Harris, Pamela Thorne, Shanna Ryan, Sharissa Best, Sherril Gilbert, Shirley Burgess, Siobhan Foley, Stacia Fowler, Stephanie Hughes, Stephanie Martin, Tim O'Regan, Vanessa Webb, Amy, Gerard Lahey and Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues volunteers Adam Reid, Jennifer Gorman, Bill Tizzard and Bill Hunt.
AND WHAT A LIST OF PERFORMERS! Amy House, Andrew James O'Brien and the Searchers, Ashelin,Barry Martin, Beni Malone and Wonderbolt Circus, Blue Eyed Blonde, Bollywood Jig Troupe, Calvin Powell, Celtic Fiddlers, Colin Mackey, Colleen Power, Con O'Brien, D'arcy Broderick & Ron Kelly, Darrin Martin, Dennis Parker, David Chafe, Des Walsh, Don-E Coady, Duane Andrews, Face Painters, Gary Summers, Gracie Wells Smith, Hillary Simms, Hugh Scott, J Frost, Jim Fidler, Jimmy Howard, Joe Belly, Jonathan Reid, Jordan Young, Justin Osmond, Kilautiup Songuninga Inuit Drum Group, Lauren Hayward, Liz Solo, Mallory Johnson, Meg Herder, Molly Clark, Native Friendship Center Arts & Crafts, Neighbourhood Stray Belly Dancers, Paddy Barry, Peter Halley, Philip Holloway, Rhonda Barrett, Rick Lambe, Ron Hynes, Ron Pumphrey, Salsa Roca, Sandy Morris & Jamie Dart, Sarah Harris, Sharona Clarke, Sheila Williams, Shelley Neville, Terry Campbell Quartet, Terry Rielly, The Dogberries, The Finders, The New Zazou, Tom Gordon, Tristan Hayward, William Corbett.
It was definitely a community project! Everyone above, and likely many more (including attendees) can know they took part in raising significant funds to help aleviate the suffering in Haiti. Once again, it goes to show that this province has a LOT of heart!
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