One Amazing Event: Chante for Haiti

There are events—and then there are amazing events. Chante for Haiti is an amazing event and it's coming up on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Van Vleck Gardens. Designed to raise awareness about the situation in Haiti, the day also will be filled with great music, great dancing, storytelling, and a real sense of community.

Most importantly, Dr. James P. Morgan, a local physician, will be on hand to talk about his non-profit organization Lamp for Haiti. Founded in 2006, "The Lamp" operates in Cite Soleil, a large slum in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. Lamp's dedicated staff members administer basic health care; investigate allegations of human right abuses; and provide educational and humanitarian aid to local residents.

The slum is home to hundreds of thousands of people living in extreme poverty, usually without sewage, schools, or electricity.

Chante for Haiti, aimed at raising both awareness and money for the organization, will take place from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person for an all-day music pass but the group will accept $10 per person if that is all you can afford. Indeed, no one will be turned away. There is no rain date for the music concert. In the event of rain the event will move inside The Van Vleck House. There is no alcohol or smoking allowed on the premises.

So bring a blanket, hang out, and listen to the following lineup of acts: Storyteller Julie Pasqual, The Matt McDonald Group, Deivito and Friends, The Micks, Rich Deans, The Sirs, Kagero, The Porchistas, Thomas Wesley Stern, Rainy Day Cacophony, Terry McCarthy, Gonul, and What Army! 

If you are interested in volunteering or if you have a high school student in your family who wants to earn community service hours by helping on the day of the event please contact ana.maria.cardenas@verizon.net or call 201-563-1191.

To find out more about Lamp for Haiti and how to make a donation go here.