by Debbie Tuma Photos courtesy “Wings Over Haiti”
If you’re wondering how you can make a big difference in the lives of some of the poorest children in the world, one way is to attend the upcoming “Hamptons Artists for Haiti” benefit bash at the East Hampton Airport on July 20. Held in and around one of the huge hangars, this seventh annual event is organized by “Wings Over Haiti,” a non-profit organization founded by artist and pilot Jonathan Nash Glynn of Sag Harbor.
When he flew his own private plane to Haiti, bringing medical and food supplies after the devastating 2010 earthquake there, Glynn saw first-hand the severe poverty, political unrest, and gang violence in this third world country, and decided he wanted to help the children, who struggled to even get an education. Since then in 2010, Glynn and his team of builders have used funds from these benefits to build one school in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, which today has 250 students. They then built another school in the rural mountains of Ranquitte, which now, after 4 years, has 100 students who get uniforms and a meal each day. But now the school is trying to expand to accommodate the 400 children in the village, and proceeds from this upcoming benefit will be used for this purpose.
Thanks to the continued support from the East End community, in 2023 the Ranquitte School implemented Otus, a technology platform dedicated to empowering educators by harnessing K-12 student data and improve learner outcomes. Otus is used in 2500 schools across America, and the Ranquitte School is the first in northern Haiti to use this technology.
The always popular and fun “Hamptons Artists for Haiti” benefit on July 20 will feature a silent auction of works by over 50 East End artists, curated by Coco Myers of folioeast. The work includes paintings, photographs, ceramics, and sculptures. Guests will be treated to an open bar, with wine and cocktails, hors d’oeuvres catered by Sel Rrose Restaurant of Montauk, and music by DJ Carlos Lama, with dancing. There is also plenty of free parking available.
This year’s event will honor fashion icon and East End resident Donna Karan, for her years of service helping the people of Haiti.
“I am so delighted to be involved with the “Wings Over Haiti” events and to help grow their second school in Haiti,” she said. “How can such a close neighbor of the United States continue to be the poorest country in our hemisphere and in such constant turmoil? Haiti needs us all to help change that narrative. And I do believe the best way to do this is by educating Haiti’s children, the country’s future leaders. Please join us and help the kids.”
Tickets to this event are $195 in advance, $225 at the door, and are tax deductible. Children under 12 are free, and all are welcome to this family-friendly event. Tickets are available at www.wingsoverhaiti.net
