New York City's Shoegasm and Soles4Souls® Partner for Haitian Relief
Online, February 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - On Saturday February 20, 2010, Shoegasm is hosting Project: Haiti, a cultural celebration and fundraiser, from 12pm to 5pm at their Soho location. Shoegasm and Soles4Souls are working together to collect new and used shoes to be sent to Haiti. Shoegasm has committed to match shoe-for-shoe each pair donated during this kick-off event in an effort to support Soles4Souls' commitment to send more than 250,000 pairs of shoes to Haitians in need. While the event will serve as a fundraiser, Shoegasm wants to take this opportunity to shed light on Haitian culture, believing that increasing public knowledge about Haiti will result in a more sustainable reconstruction effort. The fete will feature art, music, and food unique to Haiti.
Igor Mecklembourg ("Iggy"), a New York-based artist and jewelry designer from Port Au Prince, Haiti, will be exhibiting his bold, colorful, and expressive art work. Iggy's most recent solo exhibition was a private, invitation only show last September in Clinton Hill Brooklyn, where he revealed his controversial art work "Funerailles de La Reine" (Funerals of the Queen Anacaona). His masterpiece was officially staged at the New York "Conference de Presse" given by Haiti's most influential voodoo master in October 2009.
The event will also feature live music from Tiga Jean-Baptiste, a multi-talented and accomplished young Haitian musician. On the Haitian music scene, Tiga has performed and recorded with many of Haiti's finest, including Bonga, Emeline Michel, famed Haitian dancer/choreographer Jean-Leon Destine, Haitian jazz groups Buyu Ambroise, Mozayik, and avant-garde guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly.
Chen Bakery, a specialty Haitian bakery located in Brooklyn, will be providing traditional Haitian food and drink for event guests.
The event kicks off a unique partnership between Shoegasm and Soles4Souls that will extend through the end of March. Shoe donation boxes will be placed in each location for collection throughout the month.
"As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, we cannot forget how important basic necessities - such as shoes - will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "We deeply appreciate the support of Shoegasm and their customers in helping us provide shoes to survivors and volunteers as they work in horrific conditions."
As the death toll rises, rescuers are facing increasingly dire health conditions including stifling heat, lack of clean water, broken glass and raw sewage.
"We consider it a priority to do our part in supporting the Haitian people who are suffering in the aftermath of one of the worst earthquakes to ever hit the region," said Eddie Cuevas, Manager of Shoegasm. "Community is very important to us and today we are all part of the global community, so we feel a responsibility to help in whatever way we can."
For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.