On January 29, 2010, KidzCare sponsored a "family fun night" fundraiser benefiting Project HOPE's medical relief efforts in Haiti.  Over 40 kids, ages 5-17, helped plan and run this event, which included live music by Banjo Man Frank Cassel, John Henry, and Jeff Bristol, a cheerleading demonstration by the Fearless AllStars, games for children, bouncy house, food, and raffle prizes.

Youth volunteers created the signs for the event, planned and ran the children's games, solicited donations of raffle items, distributed fliers, and staffed the event itself.  This was truly a youth-led project that empowered kids to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

Thank you to the following local businesses whose generous donations made this event possible:  A Better Approach Electrical Contractors, Austin Grill, Bauer Drive Community Center, Best Buy, Caribou Coffee, EU Services, Executive Wholesale Tire, Flagship Car Wash, Fun 4 Hours, Giant, Gordon Biersch, Il Mulino of New York, Kicks Karate, Kinko’s, Ledo’s Pizza of Derwood, Safeway, Salon 4, Schneider’s of Capitol Hill, Staples, Starbucks, Subway, and Toscana.

This event raised $2,248 for Project HOPE's medical relief efforts in Haiti.

Quote from KidzCare® USA Executive Director Jade Verity:
"Like most adults, the children involved with KidzCare® USA felt a strong need to help with the relief efforts currently underway in Haiti.  Our fundraiser will be a youth-led effort to raise community awareness and raise funds for Project HOPE's important medical relief efforts in Haiti.  We chose to support Project HOPE because of their well-established history and immediate ability to provide the thing that is most critical to the Haitian people right now -- medical professionals and supplies.  In a country facing such massive devastation, the provision of even the most basic medical supplies will have an immediate impact and will save lives that otherwise may have been lost.  We applaud Project HOPE for their role in bringing relief and hope to those suffering in Haiti."

Check out our photos below of the children planning the event. Click on a thumbnail for a larger view.