On November 19th,the Fonkoze committee held their first west coast gala at the Skirball Cultural Center, in Los Angeles California.  The A-List Star-studded event attracted individuals who came to support Haiti’s Leading Microfinance Institution.Fonkoze’s primary mission is to empower Haitians, primarily women, to lift their families out of poverty.

The event included an auction which allowed guest to purchase paintings as well as vacation packages and other well sought after items and experiences. Guests were also treated to a fabulous evening of entertainment by the Debbie Allen Dance Troupe, singers Paul Beaubrun, Malou Beauvoir and performers DJ Tendaji, Massolas Compa Band. Honored  that night were three individuals whose contributions and love toward Haiti could not have gone unnoticed Actress Melanie Griffith,  Dr. Henri Ford, VP and Chief of Surgery, Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, Los Angeles.
The money raised that evening went toward providing Fonkoze’s Staircase Out of Poverty program which offers both financial and development services to women looking to empower themselves. By the end of the evening many guests  had a chance to see the benefit of the program by watching  Saincia story, a  mother  of 4, whose determination and also Fonkoze’s Staircase program had helped her  out of property.

As mentioned by philosopher Charles Malik “The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.” and if the women of Haiti are given the opportunity to change their household they will be able to not only be the potomitan of their family but to Haiti’s economy as well.

To find out how you can contribute to Fonkoze’s mission click here.

Potomitan:  phrase  used  to describe women’s hard work and role in society.