HAUP Scores Well with its Supporters

The 34th Anniversary Event Draws Some 300 Guests and Key Community and Political Leaders

On October 10,  Haitian-Americans United for Progress (HAUP) celebrated 34 years of service to the Greater Cambria Heights Community, in particular the Haitian refugees and immigrants who made Queens and Brooklyn their permanent home after emigrating from their homeland.

Guests came by the hundreds to the annual gala celebration which is traditionally held at Antun’s in Queens Village. Key officials from the City and State of New York came to recognize HAUP’s leadership role throughout these years, pledge their continuing support and urge the organization’s constituents to do the same.

Thanks to HAUP’s sustained efforts over the years, NY City and State agencies have collectively pledged some $3,500,000 towards the hard and soft costs of a new building to replace present facilities which have reached the end of their useful life.

There remains just $150,000 left to be raised to cover the soft costs. It is an achievement that the Haitian community can be proud of, yet it cannot remain passively on the sidelines waiting for some other angel to bestow its blessings in the community center. “We are our own angels,” said Elsie Accilien, Executive Director, adding:

“Our friends in City and State governments have done their part to help us achieve this milestone. They are now looking to us for the very last push. Just 1,500 donors contributing $100 each are needed to get us to the finish line.”