In the wake of the Haitian earthquake, students at Wesleyan have been busy organizing relief efforts for the Caribbean nation. Several events are taking place on campus this weekend to raise funds for disaster relief. On Saturday night, Beckham Hall will be the site of “L’Union fait la Force” (French for “In Unity There is Strength”), a semi-formal ball organized by Sabine Vilsaint ’10.
The dance will be a celebration of Haitian culture, providing traditional finger foods such as paddies, pork dishes, chicken with rice, and plantanes, as well as a sampling of Haitian kompa music. The cost of attending is a $10 donation for relief efforts that will be donated to Habitat for Humanity International.
“I heard news stations saying to just send money rather than supplies,” Vilsaint said, citing her inspiration for the event. “I tried to do what I could to organize a fundraiser here at Wesleyan.”
Organized under the umbrella of the recently formed Haiti Relief Action Team, numerous student groups are assisting Vilsaint in financing the event. Al Campus, the West Indian Student Association, the Dominican Student Association, Ujamaa, and ResLife are all providing funding and staffing, as well as assistance with the Sound Co-op and with organizing Public Safety.
“It was originally planned to be more of a formal sit down dinner, but we figured a nice dance party would attract and accommodate more people,” Vilsaint said.
Student band Men with Bad Manners will perform, as well as DJ Big Meeks, who offered his professional services for free.
“The news has painted Haiti as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but we want to celebrate the unique culture and tastes Haiti has to offer,” Vilsaint said.
“L’Union fait la Force” is not the only benefit event this weekend. On Friday, Psi U will host student bands DuChampion, Fly Machine, and Linus, with proceeds going towards Partners in Health in Haiti. AEPi will also be hosting an event at Eclectic.
Leave a Reply