Fundraising Efforts

Earthquake relief efforts and independent fundraising campaigns are cropping up all over North America to help the victims of the earthquake in Peru. From Mercy Corps (See: http://www.mercycorps.org/topics/emergencies/1798) to Medical Teams International (See: http://www.nwmedicalteams.org/site/PageServer) - but perhaps the most impressive efforts are on the part of Peruvian ex-pats working for their Peruvian brothers and sisters.

Just a couple of the great events are listed below.

Andina Restaurant - one of Portland's premiere dinning experiences (see: http://www.andinarestaurant.com/) - is holding a fundraising dinner.

When: Sunday, September 2, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Bar Mestizo is open for cocktails and tapas from 4:00 p.m. to midnight.

Where: Andina Restaurant 1314 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209. Reservations: 503-228-9535

Event Description: In response to the 8.0 earthquake in Peru, The Andina Restaurant has teamed up with Mercy Corps. The Platt-Rodriguez family will donate 10% of net dinner sales at Andina, named 2005 Restaurant of the Year by the Oregonian, on Sunday, Sept. 2 to Mercy Corps' Peru Earthquake response.

"We are concerned about the well being of all the people who live and work in Peru, especially the regions of Pisco and Chinca, which were devastated by the earthquake," said Peter Platt, son of Doris Rodriguez de Platt, who owns Andina with her family. "This benefit is our way to do what we can to help others in our native country."

More Information: Please contact The Andina Restaurant at (503) 228-9535 for reservations or book online at: www.AndinaRestaurant.com.

The Mission of Alto Cayma and Father Alex Busuttil (along with his congregation in Alto Cayma, Peru) are also creating a fundraising drive - amongst some of the poorest citizens of Latin America. From an e-mail report posted by Jim Hintz:

"Dear Friends of Alto Cayma,Father Alex has done a masterful job of organizing the people of Alto Cayma to come to the aid of their stricken countrymen in nearby Ica/Pisco/Chincha. Neighborhood by neighborhood, Ada¡n and a crew of volunteers are going house to house to collect donated clothing and food.

Not only that, Father Alex has challenged the people, poor as they are, to contribute 2.50 soles (about 75 cents U.S.) per family in cash. He expects 6,000 families to respond, which will provide enough money to buy 6 tons of rice.When I heard what these poor people are doing, I couldn't help but think of us from the exterior, the "Serving Alto Cayma family".

This message (and the weekly Reports) goes to 300 addressees. If each one were to contribute $20, we could raise $6,000 to turn over to Father Alex to supplement what he's already doing. Of course, I know that not all 300 are going to contribute, because you are already doing so much in so many areas, but if 40% of us could contribute $50 each we could achieve the same end result.Many of you have already responded, for which we thank you.

For those of you who have not yet participated and would like to do so, please make your check out to Advent Peru Mission Support Fund, with Earthquake Relief on the memo line, and mail the check to Susan Hartsell, 1025 Autumnwood Lane, Charlotte, NC 28213"

As always - anyone interested in making a tax deductible donation to the HBI "Earthquake Relief Fund" can donate on-line at: http://www.hbint.org/donate/on-line-giving.php. The money we receive through your generous contributions will go to support Peruvian and International NGOs providing relief and comfort directly to the victims of the earthquake. In addition, your donations will go toward the support and development of long-term, sustainable community development projects in areas hardest hit by the earthquake.

Please send an e-mail to Info@HBInt.org indicating that you have made a donation towards the HBI "Earthquake Relief Fund." Thank you for your continued support!