FLORENCE – The 610 Project, a Shoals-based nonprofit dedicated to sustainable development of communities in Haiti, is hosting a fundraiser at the Shoals Marriott Conference Center on March 18.
The goal of “Tables of 10” is raise enough funding to break ground on the 610 Project’s school for 250 students in Les Cayes, Haiti. The school also is designed to provide space for adult vocational training and microenterprise workspace for a group of seamstresses supported by The 610 Project.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. dinner are $150 and include hors devours at 6 p.m. by Chef Garien Shelby. The dinner is six courses and includes limited wine.
Its theme is “6 Chefs, 6 Courses, 1 Cause.”
Participating chefs include Zacharian Chanin of The Factory, John Melton of Sheraton Westin, Kyle Ogden of 360 Grille, Alan Phillips of Red Clay Epicurian, Josh Quick of Odette and Garien Shelby and Ashley Terry of Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa.
The 610 Project is currently raising funds for three smaller projects, including a bike-share program sponsored by The Spinning Spoke of Florence, and a “From the Attic to the Island” music education program, in which old musical instruments can be donated to Haitian children, and an education sponsorship program that supports the education and feeding of children from extreme impoverished situations.
“Our donors are primarily concentrated here in the Shoals, though we have support from outside the area, as well,” 610 Project founder Melissa Daniel Bain said.
Melissa Daniel Bain
“But overall, The 610 Project is very community driven. The model is something like a sister city-type adoption program, in which one community rallies to serve and empower another.”
Bain traveled throughout Haiti working for a non-government organization and developed a passion for its people and their struggle. In the past 12 years, Haiti has endured four hurricanes or tropical storms that killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands homeless, and suffered a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that took upward of 300,000 lives.
“The country is naturally beautiful, its people resilient, proud and vibrant,” Bain said. “I fell in love with the place and saw traces of the Shoals in it.”
Bain said her years of nonprofit work in Haiti convinced her that it has the power to heal itself, but is in dire need of education.
“I believe education is integral to breaking the cycle of poverty,” she said. “So we’re building a school and investing in the education of a generation. The Shoals is a generous community full of passionate, creative people. We have the ability to make a real difference.
“My Goal is joining our community in service to another, so that community will be able to provide for its own needs and people.”
BREAKOUT:
What: Tables of 10
“6 Chefs, 6 Courses, 1 Cause.
When: March 18; cocktail reception 6 p.m, dinner at 7
Where: Marriott Shoals Conference Center
Target: individuals, couples, groups.
Ticket cost: $150 (much of that will be tax deductible. Ticket includes cocktail reception (featuring hors devours by Chef Garien Shelby), 6 course dinner and limited wine.
Media Release/Shoals Chamber Of Commerce
