 June 12, 2010, 6 months exactly after the ill-fated earthquake of 2010, the AMHE-NJ delivered its fund raising gala under the theme Night of Solidarity. From 8 PM, an elegant crowd arrived at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Secaucus, NJ to show their support. The evening had a record breaking attendance with the event having been sold out many days prior. Unfortunately, several guests had to be turned away. Under the dedicated and talented guidance of Dr Odler R. Jeanlouie and Dr Vasthy Jean-Louis (not related mentions the former), AMHE New-Jersey produced one of its most superb multi-cultural fund raising gala.
The event started with a cocktail hour at the Crystal Ball Room, in a Mexican style, with live music by the famous Mariatchi Citlalli group. The band exhibited an elegant performance with natural unamplified sound that maintained a cozy atmosphere.
The evening master of ceremony was Dr Ronald Léger. The main show opened around 9 PM in the Imperial Ball Room with a moving introduction by Dr Altéma who likened Haiti to a chronically ill patient, that just got further traumatized by a major seizure with an ensuing critical status that drove her into an intensive care unit. The attendance was reminded that the ultimate aim of the evening was the homeland Haïti that needs all of us more than ever before. The song 'We are the world’ was brilliantly executed by the young talent Sheimyrah Mighty with the Cercle de l'amitié as a special homage to the earthquake victims and to pay tribute to the late Michael Jackson.
At the State of the Chapter Address the president Dr Margarette Olibrice also reminded the audience that we have to rebuild the sponsored School Les Moisonneurs de la Saline with potential addition of a vocational school branch. Then, a few prominent locals were honored for their devotion to the community. Dr Roland Antoine an Internist from East-Orange, NJ received the Physician Recognition Award. Mr. Kevin Slavin, CEO of East Orange General Hospital and Mr. Darrell Terry Vice-President of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center both received Solidarity awards for their unpaired support of the earthquake relief efforts. After a few concise speeches skillfully orchestrated by the MC, we were ready for the first performance.
The Chinese dance company Nai Ni Chen imposed itself on the center stage and delivered formidable choregraphy pieces such as the Ribbon Dance, the Wedding dance and others. Its performance was punctuated by an adventurous addition to the AMHE-NJ gala history: Evening Wear and Swimwear Fashion show by the Wynter E. Productions. Finally, Tina Turner (the impersonator) walked through the room to exhibit her talents. A painting entitled ‘New Hope’, creation of Lundy Hans an artist of only 17 years of age, had been auctioned meanwhile.
At 11:10PM, the dance party was officially launched. Dr Jeanlouie invited all guests to wear the provided Night of Solidarity dark glasses, to ‘look tough, rapper style’ and hit the dance floor as if they mean it. DJ Rudy electrified the crowd with popular dance crazes of all genres.
The international band Tabou Combo took over an hour later boosting the ambiance to its climax, keeping the crowd moving until the very end. Some new musicians were noticeable by their talented performances. A well appreciated innovation was the presence of a parallel second ballroom where music of all genres was continuously being enjoyed in a disco bar style environment.
At 2AM, the main complaint was physical exertion from so much dancing.
Don’t miss the next Black Tie Affair by the AMHE-NJ, second Saturday of June (6/11/11).
Book early, Be there, Bring friends and family. Remember your continued support is needed to rebuild Haiti, all donations are always tax deductible.
Pictures are available under the picture gallery.
By Dr Herve Boucard |
In the early morning hours of March 27, I headed to JFK airport in New York, anxious, not knowing what to expect from my homeland that I haven’t seen for 15 years. Though the American Airlines airfare was exorbitantly expensive, the plane was packed and overbooked. Up to 800 dollars were being offered to passengers to give up their seats resulting in a good 2-hour delay. The flight was uneventful until the crew ran out of warm food and offered cereal in compensation; it was already close to 1PM.