“We’re celebrating the education that you are making possible in Haiti. Haiti Partners’ mission is to help Haitians change Haiti through education,” said John Engle at the fourth annual Educate and Celebrate fundraiser last Friday evening at Northern Trust Bank to benefit the organization he co-founded with Kent Annan.
The sold-out event featured dazzling Haitian art and artifacts, which guests perused while sipping a superb selection of 10 wines from Varietals and More paired with a delicious assortment of tapas dishes catered by Chive.
Event chair Suzanne Bolinger, wife of Haiti Partners board president Adam Bolinger, had again traveled to Haiti to select the vibrant artwork, craft pieces, jewelry and other artifacts.
“Being able to purchase from the local artist and seeing the extensive needs of the Haitian people keeps me going back each year,” said Suzanne Bolinger, adding that she sees her affiliation with Haiti Partners as a way to help Haitians improve their country. “The Haitian people have great pride in their country and strive to make things better for their children through education.”
“I’m very proud of my wife’s dedication to helping the Haitian people by leading this annual event,” said Adam Bolinger.
Engle told attendees that through Haiti Partners’ collaborative efforts, more than 1,200 children are attending seven primary schools, 35 Micah scholars are on full scholarship at three Haitian seminaries toward eventually becoming community leaders while also apprenticing with the some of the 1,500 pastors trained in children’s rights.
Engle also spoke about their social business entrepreneurship program, which straddles the education and church programs with a goal to “inspire and equip Haitians to be successful change makers. We celebrate what we are accomplishing together.”
“There are children who will have education because of this evening, who will have better lives because of this evening,” added Annan, whose latest book, “Slow Kingdom Coming: Practices for Doing Justice, Loving Mercy and Walking Humbly in the World,” is due out in May. He showed a short video highlighting that while $30 might pay for a tank of gas in the U.S., it is a month’s scholarship for a child in Haiti, and $100 will pay a teacher’s salary.
Attorney John Moore led a spirited live auction of artwork and must-have donated items, including a lovely diamond necklace donated by Ingrid Biesaart.
Before the bidding for that item began, Engle said it reminded him that much of their work is transforming diamonds in the rough. He spoke of a rambunctious young boy from a difficult family whose mother advised them to beat him when he became disorderly. Instead, through the gentle, loving tutelage of Haiti Partners’ teachers, the little boy has become a better student.
“He is just one of all the diamonds in the rough who are now finding their beauty,” said Engle.
