On Tuesday, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake devastated the nation of Haiti, killing an estimated 50,000 people, and leaving millions without access to food or housing.
People all over the world have mobilized to help the small country, and Sara Baker, owner of Speakeasy just off West Avenue in Fayetteville is planning a benefit for Jan. 22 to help locals pitch in as well.
“I posted a thought about doing it on my personal Facebook page and had seven responses in under two minutes. So, I came up with a name, made a flyer, and went to work,” Baker said.
Baker says she has received items for auction for everything from facials and hotel stays, to artwork, jewelry, and gift baskets.
“It is amazing the response I got within an hour just from (posting on Facebook),” Baker said. “All this, considering I have not made a single phone call, and it hasn’t even been 24 hours since the inception of this benefit.”
Baker is working to book local bands to play the benefit, but has not finalized the lineup yet.
“One other thing I haven’t nailed down just yet is the food,” Baker said.
Admission to the benefit is free, but in lieu of charging a cover, Baker said that there will be a donation station set up at the front door so that people can donate any amount of money they’d like including a “keep the change” drive for folks to bring in spare change to donate as well.
“We know everyone is having a tough time with the economy,” she said. “Everyone can bring in their spare change. It is suprising how much that little bit adds up.”
All of the donations collected at the benefit will go to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund because 100% of those funds raised will go towards the relief operation.
“As individuals, we are capable of helping, but when put together, our efforts grow exponentially,” said Baker. “Bringing us together is something I can do to help, so why wouldn’t I?”
Those who’d like to help with the benefit may contact Baker at 479-443-3279, or via email. Attendees may also RSVP to the event on Facebook.
It should also be noted that locals cans donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund by texting “Yele” to 501501. The $5 will be added to your phone bill. You can also donate via the Yele Haiti Earthquake fund website.
The Red Cross is also accepting donations via text message. Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. You may also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit their website.


Anyone checked out the TheSmokingGun’s website and take on Yele Haiti charity?
Can you send me contact info for Speakeasy, so that I can send a donation for the auction?
Thank you! :)
@Leslie Ray – Here’s a link to all of their contact info.
Definitely worth looking in to The Smoking Gun’s documents about the charity here and here.
Maybe it would be better to give the money to the Red Cross.
Charity Navigator isn’t too impressed either. Partners in Health have been in Haiti for 20 years employing Haitian doctors and nurses. They have a very good reputation.
http://blog.charitynavigator.org/2010/01/wyclef-jeans-yele-haiti-foundation.html
Given the bad press, we are not going to be using Yele. Thank you Dcoody for the recommendation. Any others are welcome!
Wasn’t there a scandal involving the Red Cross after Kartina? Seems I remember that suddenly millions of dollars went missing and no one knew where. After getting tons of donations, they were out begging for more money within a few months. Does anyone else recall that?
@Sara Baker Thanks for the update.
Also:
for bands, right now we’ve got the Pope County Bootleggers confirmed, 99% sure that Earl & them (Earl Cate of the Cate brothers) will be there (waiting on his bassist), and we are awaiting a call from 1oz Jig (please call Jane!!).
ALL are volunteering their time to do this event. -that’s AWESOME!!
some of my friends who work in haiti were also victimized by that terrible earthquake… i was very thankful that they only suffered minor scratches.
Regardless whether you are the Sara E. Baker whom I am thinking, I congratulate you for your noble efforts to bring relief aid to people in Haiti. However, if you are the Sara E. Baker, NCSU class of 1985, I invite you to join my web forum, http://www.wolfpackforums.com.
Cheers,
Ken Stallings
Sorry Ken, I am not the one you are looking for.
Best wishes on your search!
Appreciate your prompt reply!
Cheers,
Ken