HavServe held its third annual Volunteer Recognition Gala in Silver Spring, Maryland on Saturday January 17, 2015. The event began with a cocktail hour that included a silent auction. Gala attendees also had the opportunity to purchase beautiful hand-made arts and crafts along with Haitian Rum and coffee.  Scattered through the cocktail area guests could view beautiful pictures of Haitian children while listening to the musical stylings of Haitian musician Vilard Anglade.

HavServe is a Maryland, USA based charity whose mission is to build a sustainable future for the children of Haiti. It was founded by Carline Brice following the 2010 catastrophic earthquake. Brice knew as she watched events unfold, that many children particularly in rural areas would be most affected by the disaster and immediately began the work of setting up a non-profit to address the need she foresaw.

HavServe is run completely by volunteers who coordinate resources from around the US and facilitate getting those resources whether goods or people to underserved areas in Haiti. Saturday’s Gala was held to raise funds, thank contributors and acknowledge the 2014 honorees for Outstanding Volunteer Service. This year’s winners were Gustavo Alencar, Team Lead, Soccer Program; Ralph Gousse, MD, Lead, Mobile Clinic Program; Aric Lee, Lead, First-Aid Training; Rose Lord, School and Community Gardening Program Coordinator; Marie Miriame Michel, Lead Caterer and Leadership Trainer; and MacKenlove Lubin(Zulitt), HavServe Youth Volunteer.

Volunteer CEO Jewel Bazillo Bellegarde and Brice shared with the audience some of the work being done in Haiti and asked guests to continue to support the vital work carried out by HavServe volunteers. The distinguished guests included Ambassador Bocchit Edmond, Permanent Representative of Haiti to the Organization of American States (OAS).

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Yanick Lean-Louis who led a rousing rendition of both the Haitian and US national anthems, Jean-Claude Eugene, Fritz Gerald Aubin and Les Belles Danseuses de Vanessa. The evening’s program was overseen by Master of Ceremonies Ian Edwards. The menu was Haitian inspired cuisine.

For more information about HavServe and the inspiring work being done by its volunteer network visit www.HavServe.org.