Huntington, NY - November 17, 2016 - In response to the devastating effects that Hurricane Matthew inflicted upon Haiti, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson joined forces with the owner of a local Haitian restaurant to help raise funds and awareness of a much needed humanitarian effort following this impactful storm.
“There is a dire humanitarian need to help feed and care for the children of Haiti due to the effects of Hurricane Matthew – one of the strongest storm systems to hit this region in over 52 years,” stated Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. “We are very fortunate to have a caring and supportive business community in the town, and the owner of a local Haitian restaurant, Marie Michele Destil of Gingerbites wholeheartedly opened her doors to help join in this effort,” added Cuthbertson.
Hurricane Matthew, a category 4 storm with wind speeds of 145mph inflicted a devastating blow to the southern province of Haiti on October 4, 2016. It was one of the hardest hitting systems in Haiti’s history and sadly one of the deadliest. This was the impetus for Councilman Cuthbertson’s “Help for Haiti” fundraiser kick off at Gingerbites Restaurant & Catering on November 14. Hurricane Matthew destroyed Haiti’s food stock and livestock and left hundreds upon thousands of Haiti’s children without food or medical needs.
“I feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful relief effort especially knowing that the proceeds will benefit the children of my homeland who are in such a dire need,” said Marie Michele Destil, owner of Gingerbites Restaurant in Huntington Station.
“At a time when we are doing our shopping and getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner, I ask residents to think about the dire food shortage Hurricane Matthew created in Haiti and contribute to help children who are very much in need,” said Supervisor Frank P. Petrone, who attended the November 14 kickoff announcing the fund drive. “I thank Councilman Cuthbertson and Gingerbites owner Marie Michele Destil for helping to mobilize the effort here to help those in Haiti who are badly in need of food,”
Councilwoman Tracey A. Edwards added, “I am proud to support Councilman Cuthbertson and Gingerbites humanitarian efforts to support Haiti through Meds and food for kids,” stated Councilwoman Tracey A. Edwards.
Those interested in donating to this very worthy cause, can make monetary deposits at the collection boxes at Gingerbites Restaurant & Catering located at 730 East Jericho Turnpike in Huntington Station or in the main lobby at Huntington Town Hall, located at 100 Main Street in Huntington through November 30th.
All proceeds will benefit the “Meds & Food for Kids” Haitian charity, which is a 501(3) (c) organization that is devoted to saving the lives of Haiti’s children. Checks will be gladly accepted and they can be made out to “Meds & Food for Kids” and in the notes section, please write: “Hurricane Matthew Relief.”
Pictured:
Councilman Mark Cuthbertson is pictured with fellow Board Members, Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and Councilwoman Tracey A. Edwards at Gingerbites Restaurant, along with owner, Marie Michele Destil, and Peter Charles of the St. John's Church in Cold Spring Harbor, George Frank of the Huntington Church of God, and Marie Cyr of the LAMBI Fund of Haiti for the Town’s “Help for Haiti” fundraiser kickoff on November 14, 2016.
