Teens for Haiti presents second annual dance

Pershia Haj, Staff Writer|February 28, 2016

Teens for Haiti (TFH) will be holding a second annual 13.1 hour dance-marathon that will take place on March 5 at the Academy of the Holy Names to raise money for improvement of infrastructure in St. Suzanne, Haiti. The project will focus on the improvement of rectories, churches, clinics, convents and multiple schools. Fundraising is well on its way and the organization’s goal for this year’s event is $25,000.

TFH is a non-profit organization created to enhance the lives of Haitian people in need through the group’s fundraising projects.

Participation in the dance requires a $100 donation to enter and 250 participants. Last year’s goal of $20,000 was exceeded with $23,000 totaled. With this money, TFH implemented yam farms, opening jobs for Haitians and benefiting them in such ways as food once they’re given their own yam plant.

Allison Voiland, junior, has eagerly joined the Dance for Haiti board for her first year and explains what the Teens For Haiti board does.

“We advertise the dance through social media, merchandise and posters at schools. We plan how each member of the board is going to run the dance, like who takes care of what station,” Voiland said.

Voiland also explains the work and preparation that goes into the dance. “We catch up with what sponsors we have, how much more money we need to raise and talk about how exactly we are going to be preparing for the dance,” Voiland said.

Voiland said that working on the fundraising board is difficult, but she enjoys it and loves being involved, especially because she has took a trip to Haiti and will be again later this year.

The marathon will have entertainment, drinks and new food each hour. Grace Casper, senior and president of the dance, said, “All I can say is if you don’t go, you’re missing out on an amazing time with friends and 13.1 service hours. I’m hopeful that we will meet our goal again this year!”

If there are any additional questions all information about the event can be found on the official website, http://www.teensforhaiti.com.