Local 'Fast for Filipinos' Campaign Needs Your Support

With only 10 hours to go, artist Daniel Marck’s Indiegogo campaign is just one-fifth of the way to its goal of raising $2,500 for typhoon relief in the Philippines.

The Jersey City art teacher was inspired to create the Fast for Filipinos campaign in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, which made landfall on six Philippine islands earlier this month, claiming the lives of more than 5,000 people and displacing another 3 million.

As part of the FFF campaign, Marck is asking local residents to fast for one meal on Monday and donate what they would have spent to typhoon relief. The funds Marck raises will be given to ABS-CBN Foundation International, a non-profit whose mission is to create a better life for Filipinos around the world.

A piece of artwork Marck created to spur local interest in the campaign is on auction at The Barsky Gallery in Hoboken. The piece, which was inspired by the tragedy, can be had for a $3,500 donation to the FFF campaign.

“The catastrophic loss of life and properties that have overwhelmed friends, family members and most people, in general is the audience I am trying to reach,” Marck said in describing the work, which is meant to evoke hope and self-awareness.

Those interested in donating to the campaign or learning more about Marck's artwork can visit the FFF Indiegogo page. Because it's a flexible funding campaign, Fast for Filipinos will receive all funds raised even if it does not reach its $2,500 goal by midnight Tuesday.