SUBMITTED by Kirk Baker, Pastor, Williamson Presbyterian Church (22-Jan-2010)
Williamson Church Holding Benefit Dinner for Haitian People on Feb. 5
As reports of dire need and the slow pace of donations reach us from earthquake-struck Haiti, a local church is moved to respond. The red, brick church on Main Street in Williamson, First Presbyterian, is providing an opportunity for members and people in the area to help those affected by the catastrophic quake.
“We were praying for the people of Haiti, and it just hit me – I have the time, our church has the means – let’s put on a dinner, and invite the whole community to come out in support,” said Cherie Fisher, the originator of the benefit.
The response has been very strong, both inside the church and outside it. Area businesses have donated food and supplies, and people from a variety of groups and denominations have signed up to volunteer. “Love thy neighbor” is becoming more than just a saying as people throughout the Town of Williamson get involved. And since Presbyterian Disaster Assistance was providing emergency aid the day after the disaster first struck, with nearly 100% of designated donations going right to the victims, the church seems a natural vehicle for getting real help to those in need.
The fundraiser, known as the “Smorgasbord of Aid,” will be held from 4:30 to 7:00 PM on Friday, February 5, at 4057 Ridge Road (back entrance). Dinners will be $8 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and $25 for a family of four or more. Some will be purchasing meals, then fasting in sympathy with those who are going hungry in Haiti. Tickets are available for presale and at the door; volunteers are welcome. To learn how you can help or for ticket information, please call Cherie at (315) 589-4223.
As reports of dire need and the slow pace of donations reach us from earthquake-struck Haiti, a local church is moved to respond. The red, brick church on Main Street in Williamson, First Presbyterian, is providing an opportunity for members and people in the area to help those affected by the catastrophic quake.
“We were praying for the people of Haiti, and it just hit me – I have the time, our church has the means – let’s put on a dinner, and invite the whole community to come out in support,” said Cherie Fisher, the originator of the benefit.
The response has been very strong, both inside the church and outside it. Area businesses have donated food and supplies, and people from a variety of groups and denominations have signed up to volunteer. “Love thy neighbor” is becoming more than just a saying as people throughout the Town of Williamson get involved. And since Presbyterian Disaster Assistance was providing emergency aid the day after the disaster first struck, with nearly 100% of designated donations going right to the victims, the church seems a natural vehicle for getting real help to those in need.
The fundraiser, known as the “Smorgasbord of Aid,” will be held from 4:30 to 7:00 PM on Friday, February 5, at 4057 Ridge Road (back entrance). Dinners will be $8 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, and $25 for a family of four or more. Some will be purchasing meals, then fasting in sympathy with those who are going hungry in Haiti. Tickets are available for presale and at the door; volunteers are welcome. To learn how you can help or for ticket information, please call Cherie at (315) 589-4223.
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Anonymous Said,
The world empathy has grown through technology as images are inescapable.The texting of money is truly a revolution in how easy and connected we are. Makes me proud to be a citizen of this world.
One of the big things learned here is that haiti has had plenty of aid through the years from the US and France. Corruption of its officials created a non functional government. Lack of development of the needed government institutions cause by aid swindled away has left county up the river without the paddle. Now there is no real government should we engage in nation building here? I am looking at the long term after out of the head lines! It is not Iraq their is no economic benefits. I believe unfortunatly Haiti will end up a lawless state like somalia.
Posted on Sun Jan 24, 10:58:00 AM EST