Hoboken Cares

In Hoboken it doesn't need to be Thanksgiving or Christmas to give. This past weekend shows that. Three separate events in the Mile Square together raised more than $21,000 for Haiti (exact numbers are yet to be determined). 

On Thursday night, Party with Purpose hosted a fancy fundraiser in the Chandelier Room at the W Hotel. Organizer Scott Delea said that close to $20,000 was raised through ticket sales ($100 per ticket) and a silent auction. The auction included sports paraphernalia, including a football jersey signed by Eli Manning. 

Delea said that close to 200 people attended the event. He added that he was happy that the blizzard outside didn't keep many people away from the event. 

The entire event was donated, said Delea, which means that all the proceeds go directly to UNICEF and Partners in Health. The Chandelier Room was rented for free and the cupcakes from Carlo's City Hall Bakery were donated, too. 

The following day, on Saturday morning, families were able to enjoy a pancake brunch from Stacks (also donated) as well as a day of "family fun" at the Jubilee Center. Hoboken Women for Change—a new organization in Hoboken—hosted a day of family fun and entertainment. 

More than 100 people attended the event, said organizer Stacy Mello, and more than $1,000 was raised. Under the motto "Think Global, Act Local," the event was also supposed to make people aware of donating to causes closer to home, such as the Jubilee Center.

Later that same day, Hoboken Volunteers—another new charity organization in Hoboken—hosted a chili cook-off for Haiti at the Shannon. Tim Occhipinti, executive director of the organization, said that there were some costs associated with this event (unlike the other two which were completely free). It's unclear still how much money was raised here. Tickets were $20 each.