On October 9, 2010, we will be celebrating our 35th year anniversary through our annual dinner dance event at Antun’s in Queens Village. Coming on the heels of a year that has been extremely trying for the Haitian community, this will offer an opportunity to rejoice in our common humanity, and take stock of the past, present and future challenges. I hope that you will accept our invitation to share your thoughts with our constituents on what we can do together to make this world a better place for all of its children.

Few of us expected a magnitude 7. 3 earthquake to hit Haiti earlier this year on January 12. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost in less than 35 seconds. Millions were rendered homeless. The cost to Haiti’s economy – damage to the existing infrastructure and the economy – is staggering: it will take no less than $15 billion to rebuild hope in Haiti.

Thankfully thirty-five years of building community and cooperation with the people of the city and state of New York, responding to emergencies stateside and in Haiti, gave us the strength to face the unprecedented challenge.

Because of your support, HAUP was able to provide support to families affected by the earthquake who sought assistance, comfort and refuge with relatives in the Greater Cambria Heights area. In response to our appeals, President Obama granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to more than 50,000 Haitians nationwide. We have worked with lawyers from the NY Bar Association to provide pro bono assistance to those who would be eligible. We provided leadership and guidance to readers of the New York Times nationwide through a guest column that ran for an entire week in the premiere American news paper. The world-renowned daily continues to consistently feature stories that document the response of our community residents to the earthquake in Haiti.

We entered into creative partnerships with other Haitian community-based organizations and with our hometown’s baseball team, the New York Mets. As a result of the latter, the Mets will host  “Haitian Heritage Night” during the second game of every season from this point on. We did all of this while continuing to provide the services that individual, corporate, state and city of New York grants have consistently supported. We are thankful for a staff and donors who go beyond the call of duty to ensure service delivery that consistently earns praise and recognition across the city.

Our plans to break ground on a new building this year were delayed because of the tremendous challenges we faced. However, they remain on track. We are pleased to inform you of an additional NYS grant of $200,000 thanks to the support of Assemblywoman Barbara Clark. And all of our major donors — NY City Councilman Leroy Comrie, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, NY State Assemblyman William Scarborough, NY State Senator Malcolm Smith – remain steadfast in their support of HAUP and its plans to revitalize the Greater Cambria Heights area through the construction of a new building. They see us as central to the growth and stability of the Greater Cambria Heights area because we meet the needs and aspirations of thousands.

Because we did not stand still, because you hit the ground running with us, we performed miracles big and small this year. Together we can achieve even more miracles for our community in the future.

We hope that you will make our 35th Anniversary Gala an extra special one this year by partnering with us and the circle of leaders who have already helped us realize much of our dream. We are once again offering attractive platinum, gold, silver and bronze sponsorship packages that will reflect well on you and your constituents. Naturally, your sponsorship will automatically entitle you to membership in our leadership circle which, in addition to intimate private gatherings twice a year, provides you with special news briefs and opportunities for enhanced exposure.

Our gala event will be held at Antun’s, in Queens Village on October 9, 2010. In addition to celebrating our 35th year of service to an ever-growing community, we hope that we will be able to announce that, thanks to your generosity, support and partnership, we will be breaking ground next Spring!

Gratefully yours,

Elsie Saint-Louis Accilien
Executive Director

P.S.: I truly believe that together we can achieve miracles for our community. We have made much progress since we set out to build community through dedicated and appropriate service. Your support will bring us yet closer to our goals. I am counting on your partnership. Please act now!

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HAUP would like to thank everyone who supported this event! Special thanks to:

KYLTI
HAITIAN CENTERS COUNCIL, INC.
DWA FANM
CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
FLYNY
NEW YORK OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY

THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, FLYNY, AND NEW YORK OFFICE OF ARCHITECTURE FOR HUMANITY.

PLEASE NOTE THAT KITES WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE EVENT!

Saturday, August 21st HAUP’s Fly-a-Haitian-Kite Day

An all day family affair at Pier 1 on Riverside Park South (between 72nd Street and Madison Avenue).

From 2 to 4 pm, we will proudly fly our Haitian kites in support of Haiti and its people.

Kites are made in Haiti and can be purchased at HAUP for $35.

Please call Sophia at 718-528-0577 x 17 to reserve your kite today.

HAUP’S Annual Dinner Dance – Saturday, October 9, 2010

Antun’s in Queens Village – 9pm – 2pm

Please call Sophia at HAUP to reserve your seat

and advertisement space in our commemorative journal

Tax-deductible donation: $100.00

During the Youth Council’s first community planning meeting on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, nothing prepared the Executive Director for the incredible energy, hunger, pride and love these young individuals shared for HAUP and its future. Their shared vision and commitment to a new generation of community leaders is truly inspiring. Welcome to HAUP, Youth Council!