Special thanks go to Marianne Frantz of the American Wine School for providing the venue, the wine, and the generous gift card we raffled off for courses at the wine school.
I would like to thank our many sponsors for providing the delicious food and many raffle prizes, and everyone who brought treats to share. The Earthquake wine Dr. Fitzgerald supplied was a big hit and a great way to cap off the evening. I am grateful to The Andi Foundation for providing us with a Hyde Park gift card for our raffle. The Andi Foundation, founded by Vicki and Andre Parhamovich in honor of their daughter who was killed in Iraq, helps young women fulfill their education and career dreams. I would also like to thank Joyce Barrett for donating her Cavs floor seats, and the Cavaliers organization for donating a Daniel Gibson autographed basketball. These generous gifts were a welcomed and unexpected surprise.
I'd also like to thank Debbie Harris for helping to organize this on such short notice. She did an amazing job.
Dr. Paul Vanek, Dr. Jack Fitzgerald and Jean Kurdas RN spoke eloquently. It was a privilege to hear their first-hand accounts of their relief efforts in Haiti. It was informative, heart-wrenching, and at times humorous. We were sorry that Theresa Jackson RN was unable to attend.
If anyone has photos from the benefit, please click here to contact me so I can arrange to receive them by e-mail.
Thanks again for everyone's continued support!
What an honor to attend this week’s fundraising event for Project Medishare’s Cleveland-Haiti relief team! To personally witness the detailed accounts of your experience, enhanced by the slide show Brandon put together, answered so many of the questions I had and summarized the gravity of the situation in Haiti. It is hard to find the words to express my gratitude and respect for you and all who rushed to the aid of people so desperate in need, cognizant of the challenges and personal risks involved, yet steadfast in your determination to serve in inconceivable ways. In addition to the critical medical and surgical skills you provided, your patients clearly received vital emotional support: the touch of a hand, a reassuring voice, a comforting presence, a glimmer of hope. It was incredible to hear how teamwork and coordination of relief efforts evolved even over the relatively short period you were there, and, of course, the magnitude of all that remains yet to be done. The response to this disaster has been enormous, from around the world and from our own backyard. This truly humbled and made me so very grateful for your mission. Brandon’s “window to Haiti” blog provided real-time reports of your whereabouts and actions, which was a tremendous blessing and comfort to all of us back home, and continues to be an invaluable resource for all who wish to participate in the ongoing relief efforts and gain a greater understanding of the significant challenges ahead.
ReplyDeleteMesi!!!