Written by: Kim Sok

In the wake of the tragedy that has unfolded from the devastating Haiti earthquake, members of the Bentley community have come together to initiate a plan of relief, action, and hope: Project Haiti: The Redevelopment.

“Project Haiti is a fundraiser campaign, launched by the students of Bentley University with the mission to raise funds that will be invested in providing relief to the victims of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti,” cites Project Haiti’s official website, projecthaiti.engiteering.com.

Project Haiti will involve three main events: the Launch Event, the Carnival Event, and Spring Day. The Project will also receive contributions from smaller events and donators throughout the semester. Developers of the campaign hope to pool all of the money and allocate it into immediate relief as well as into redevelopment through mirco-financing. To kick off the project, the Launch Event took place in the Wilder Pavilion on March 1.

“Our community should not only pledge to a better place for us, but also pledge to a better place for the world,” Project Haiti team member Tyler Williams noted before introducing President Gloria Larson. “Our hearts go to all of those who have lost loved ones and to those who continue to struggle, needing help, relief, and shelter,” said President Larson. She then commented on Bentley students’ support of Haiti, stating, “I am proud of so many people stepping forward to reach out to families in Haiti… I am proud to be a member of an immense community.”

President Larson went on to say how the raised funds will go towards ShelterBox. This non-profit organization uses 90% of its proceeds towards sending disaster relief packages, which areassortments of 10-person tents, cooking and utilities supplies, tools, blankets, water purification systems, and other life-saving provisions. President Larson remarked how ShelterBox reflects an important business concept, “tangible, time-sensitive results.”

“As of now, we hope to raise $30,000,” Haiti team member Dan Merica later commented.

“We have set our goal high, for we feel it is important to set an example and put forth our best efforts to reach this goal.”

After discussing the immediate relief through ShelterBox, President Larson explained how the mirco-financing aspect of Project Haiti will provide something to Haiti that Bentley students are also concerned with: sustainability and long-term benefits.

“The objective for the micro-finance is the redevelopment aspect of our project,” explained another Haiti team member, Aayush Agrawal. “Once the big organizations, cameras, and businesses leave Haiti, mirco-financing will provide entrepreneurs resources in order to develop the Haitian communities and economy. It will bring Haitians back to their state and help them grow,” Agrawal continued.

Following President Larson’s speech, Merica introduced Steve Daly, who spoke about his organization, ShelterBox. He explained how “when a home gets destroyed in a disaster, the inhabitants do not need shelter and relief in a few days or weeks; they need it the next day.” He mentioned, “ShelterBox has responded to 100 disasters and 75 countries.”
Professor Barbara Paul-Emile performed two poems and addressed the students of Bentley, saying, “You are the future, the kind of people the 21st century will need.” Her husband, Serge Emile, a flutist, performed a Haitian piece, which was in remembrance and dedication of the Haitian victims and families who have suffered.

Performing one of his songs, “Heal Me,” Adam Payne got the crowd on their feet and asked them to dance, clap, and sing along. The crowd enthusiastically followed his lead. Payne noted how all of his proceeds from any downloads of music in the month of March will go towards Project Haiti. (Visit adampayne.biz for more details.)

After the performances, Haiti team member Shanell Mosley concluded the evening. “Bentley University is a place to be educated and get involved, and we feel Project Haiti is a great opportunity for this… We hope this Haiti Project will only be the start, for it’s in a setting like this where action begins,” said Mosley.

The Haiti team members and developers encourage the community to come to the next event, the Carnival Event, on March 26. As noted on the Project Haiti website, “There will be various games, vendors, and student organizations on-site all coming together to raise funds for Haiti.”

Michelle Barbino, Project Haiti team member, discussed how the entrance fee to this festival will be the purchase of a “Project Haiti package that features a t-shirt, wristband, info package, and performances of Bentley students on a CD.”
Natalie Caldwell, a sophomore at Bentley, commented on students getting involved with Project Haiti, saying, “It is important for students to get involved, because students need to become more aware of what goes on around the world. It is our generation that is making a difference.”

In conclusion, Williams remarked, “Today’s event was great; the speakers, performances, and response were excellent. I would really like to thank the administration for their support and wisdom, for they deserve a lot of the credit. I would also credit this project to the Haiti team members, committees, student organizations, and volunteers who all help out with this together.”

In regards to working on the project, Merica commented, “It has been remarkable to work with everyone for Project Haiti. The collaboration with team members and people involved was phenomenal.” He continued, “There is a list of thank-you’s at the back of the program. Hopefully, this list can grow as more and more people come on board.”

In order to find more information on Project Haiti, please visit the Project’s website via Bentley.edu. Your invitation to get involved with Project Haiti has been extended.