Haiti's Need Not Forgotten in Red Bank

It's been more than two years since a 7.0-magnitude hit Haiti, killing an estimated 300,000 and leaving more than 1 million people homeless.

In the months following the tragedy, the world united to provide aid and support to the ailing country and showcased a generosity rarely seen on such a large scale. Eventually, however, the attention began to wane, and along with it plenty of support.

Today, the devastated country is still struggling to dig itself out.

In Red Bank, the Haitian plight has not been forgotten. For the second straight year, hosted its Race for Haiti's Children, raising money to help the country's most vulnerable victims. Organized by Team Haiti, a group of parishioners who have gone on missions to Haiti and seen the devastation first hand, the event drew more than 150 runners, 20 sponsors, and raised more than $10,000, all of which will be donated to a Haitian orphanage.

"We've done a lot of mission work to Haiti and the Dominican Republic," Bill Chaney, who organized the event along with his wife Tara and Adam and Kim Beacher, said. "Haiti's been one that's always remained in our hearts. It's 300 miles off the coast of Florida. It's so close, so accessible. Haiti is in huge need of help, especially the children."

Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. Identified as a third world country, Chaney said it's facing near-insurmountable difficulties in its effort to rebuild. After donating to a number of charities in its first year, Chaney said the idea this time around was to focus on one organization where the dollars would be best spent.

The more than $10,000 raise will benefit Danita’s Children, a Haitian orphanage that houses about 100 children and provides education and meals to hundreds more. Chaney said he and other Tower Hill parishioners have seen the orphanage's work first hand. Named for founder Danita Estrella, the orphanage is doing its small part to help the hundreds of thousands of orphans living in the country.

Though it's difficult to organize, and though the race has run into municipal issues - the race route needed to be changed this year to accommodate vexed residents - and faces competition from other races, Chaney said he hopes the Race for Haiti's Children continues.

"We're going to take it year by year," Chaney said. "If it's an easy way to raise 10,000 bucks and give it to the kids, we're going to do it. If we're able to give back to the kids, it's a great thing."