A fundraiser to assist in Haitian relief effort Cher Haiti is planned for Saturday evening, March 20, 2010 at The Italian Center, 6:30 p.m., in Stamford. City dignitaries, local celebrities and residents will come together as a community to raise much needed funds for medical care, equipment and supplies. The event includes dinner, dancing, a unique auction and raffle, live music by Stamford band SlikStuf, with Jerry Pia, and special band Billy and the Showmen.
Mayor Mike Pavia will make a presentation and Stamford icon Bobby Valentine will serve as the guest host. Cher Haiti was an initiative Mayor Pavia started that brought City employees, non-profit organizations and the private sector together to provide relief for Haiti’s earthquake victims.
“I’m very moved by how people from the public and private sector are stepping up in a time of great need for people we’ll likely never meet. The spirit of this city has inspired me all my life and I’m thrilled to be a part of this relief effort; I hope a ton of people turn out to be with us that night,” Mayor Pavia said. Cher Haiti is in keeping with Mayor Mike Pavia’s broader goal of encouraging volunteerism and community involvement in the city.
The Italian Center is pleased and eager to be the host of the event; many of its employees are Haitian and have seen the devastation and loss from the earthquake firsthand. The event begins at 6:30 on Saturday, March 20th. Ticket purchases and donations can be made on-line. Tickets will be 75.00 per person for Patrons, and $150.00 for Benefactors.
The Cher Haiti dinner dance is being organized by Jerry Pia, Board of Education Member and Executive Director of Activities for Kids at the Glenbrook Community Center as well as Lori Bailey and Bonnie Wattles of Barn Raising Partners, LLC. Lori Bailey was also recently appointed Special Assistant to the Mayor, Humanitarian Initiatives.
