About Us

SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI began as a coalition of churches, synagogues and individuals in Northern New Jersey who came together in a spirit of fellowship and solidarity in response to the catastrophic magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck the Haitian people on January 12, 2010.

Today, more than a half a million people remain homeless.  These staggering numbers only begin to tell the story of the suffering and misery, as well as their strength and heroism as they struggle to survive and rebuild their lives ins awe-inspiring.

As the enormity of the devastation in Haiti unfolded on our television screens, a small group of people affiliated with The Presbyterian Church at Tenafly and Temple Sinai of Bergen County believed that a tragedy so horrific required an outsized response.  Thus, SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI was born.  Since then many other churches and synagogues have joined to create a genuine interfaith coalition committed to supporting our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

On February 21, 2010, SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI hosted a concert event at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey with top-flight entertainment talent from Broadway, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.  It was the birth of a genuine interfaith movement that reflected the coming together of like-minded people of many faiths who recognize that Gad has given each of us the ability to make a difference in this world.  When we walk together, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Following the event, SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI sent $100,000 to six carefully vetted charities working on immediate earthquake relief.

• Church World Services
• United Jewish Appeal of North Jersey Haiti Fund
• Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Milot
• Project Hope Orphanage in Les Cayes
• Reformation Hope Orphanage in La Plain
• Catholic Charities

SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI recognized almost from the start that the destruction and suffering in Haiti will take many years to heal and committed to continuing our work beyond the inaugural event.

On January 30, 2011, SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI held a second benefit concert at the Bergen Performing Arts Center and with a matching grant generated more than $80,000 for the rebuilding effort in Haiti.  Understanding the urgent need for improved medical care, SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI partnered with Hôpital Sacré Coeur in Milot, and sent $60,000 to help build an emergency care facility that will allow for more efficient medical care.  An additional $20,000 was sent to construct a much-needed cafeteria and respite for the Haitian medical staff, any who typically walk more than two hours each day to work at the hospital.

With the earthquake nearly two years behind us, many have forgotten the urgency that still exists in Haiti.  With that in mind, on January 19, 2012, SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI will move to Manhattan's Lincoln Center to broaden our audience and revitalize awareness on the continuing plight of the Haitian people.  Later in the year, SENDING OUR LOVE TO HAITI will organize an outdoor family event in Northern New Jersey.

The focus for 2012 will be the women of Haiti and our Executive Committee is currently evaluating deserving projects.  As these events near, please join us by volunteering, buying a ticket, sponsoring a silent auction gift or just spreading the word to friends and neighbors.