Abrahams & Community Leaders Coordinate to Assist Victims of Devastating Earthquake in Haiti

Establish ‘Haiti Emergency Relief Fund’ 1-800-966-8262, ext. 600 or 680

Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) today gathered a wide cross section of community, religious and business leaders, humanitarian groups, social service agencies, the American Red Cross and members of the Haitian community to coordinate efforts to aid the earthquake victims in Haiti. He was also joined by Legislator Robert Trioano (D-Westbury), who is coordinating with the Town of North Hempstead to establish drop off points for relief in the town parks.

The group rallied in support of the victims today at the Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes church in Roosevelt. Legislator Abrahams announced that together with City National Bank President Louis Prezeau has established the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund to accept donations through City National Bank in Roosevelt. The bank’s president, Mr. Prezeau, is from Haiti. This account will provide a resource to solicit monetary donations and contributions from supportive customers, corporate partners, local businesses and the many concerned citizens. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can call Legislator Abrahams’ office at 516-571-6201 or the City National Bank at 1-800-966-8262, ext. 600 or 680.

“The devastation in Haiti may be over 1,500 miles away, but the feeling of loss and heartbreak is right here at our doorstep,” Abrahams said. “Our Haitian friends, neighbors and co-workers who live here in Roosevelt, Uniondale and in so many other communities in Nassau County are in pain today. I hope that our efforts here will let them know that they are not alone. We want to help.”

Abrahams also kicked off the donations by texting to the American Red Cross to give a $10 donation. (See instructions below). Drop off points for relief, such as water, canned good and medical supplies, includes One West Street in Mineola.

Abrahams also announced that local businessman Arthur Katz, president of Knockout Pest Control in Uniondale, has offered to match local contributions the Haitian Emergency Relief Fund totaling up to $10,000 for earthquake relief in Haiti.
“As Haiti deals with the overwhelming tragedy as a result of the massive earthquake on January 12 I am asking for the support of the Long Island community in creating a large donation that will go much further than individual contributions in helping those affected,” said Katz.

In addition, Gilford Finch of Giggles Comedy Plus, 468 West Peninsula Blvd. in Hempstead, has announced that he will be hosting a fundraiser for Haitian earthquake victims on Saturday, January 16.

Minister Kebraau Nicolas of Baldwin gave an emotional speech telling those present that her father and brother had left from Kennedy Airport on Monday night bound for Haiti. She is awaiting word that they are safe.

Among the supporters at the press conference were:
?Pastor Jean Albert ReJouis of Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes
?Sam Kille of the American Red Cross
?The Economic Opportunity Commission
?Doug Mayers, Long Island Caribbean Association
?Haitian American Family of Long Island –HAFALI
?Haitian Americans Friendship Association
?Urban League
?Elsie Claudy of Claudy Beauty Supply
?Mervyn Campbell of the Uniondale Fire Department
?Dr. Steven Lloyd, Superintendent of the Uniondale School District
?Robert Wayne Harris, Superintendent of the Roosevelt School District

To Donate funds to Haitian relief:
Haiti Emergency Relief Fund 1-800-966-8262, ext. 600 or 608.

Drop off points for relief include:
?One West Street, Mineola
?Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes church in Roosevelt
?Tabernacle of Joy in Uniondale
?Giggles Comedy Club in Hempstead
?Claudy’s Beauty Supply in Uniondale
?One Offering Tabernacle Church in Hempstead
?Town of North Hempstead parks

To trace family members in Haiti:
www.icrc.org/familylinks

Legislator Abrahams comforts Minister Kebraau Nicolas who gave an emotional speech telling those present that her father and

brother had left from Kennedy Airport on Monday night bound for Haiti. She is awaiting word that they are safe.