Greetings Sisters,

Unfortunately, we are faced with another catastrophe that demands our attention. The Haitian Earthquake which took place on Tuesday afternoon (Jan 13, 2010) has all but obliterated that small impoverished island nation. Just as we answered the battle cry in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, I am once again asking my sisters to "STAND UP AND BE COUNTED" among those who are compelled to help those less fortunate.

The National Office of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc.® has established a Haiti Relief Fund and re-enacted our Disaster Relief Committee. Our goal is to initially raise $5,000 to support one or more of the many relief efforts currently on the ground in Haiti. We suggest that each sister reach out to family members, co-workers and friends to solicit donations. We have provided the Haiti Relief Donations Form to assist you with your plea to others for donations. At present, we ask that donations be in the form of a check or money order and mailed to:

M&T Bank
c/o Swing Phi Swing SFI–Haitian Relief Fund
4800 Hampden Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

If you wish to have your donation included in our first lump sum disbursement, please send it prior to Feb 1, 2010. However, if you miss this deadline or wish to make additional donations, there will be ample opportunity to donate at a later time.

Many sisters from all regions, of all age ranges, nationalities and Swing backgrounds have already responded to my request. They've come together to discuss our collective effort and strategize on how we can best assist the victims of this disaster. I am extremely grateful for their concern and input as we face this monumental task. The Haiti Relief Committee has been formulated and these sisters are ready to roll their sleeves up and get to work.

Sister Sandy Cayo, a registered nurse and Haitian descent, will to travel to Haiti in the coming days to offer medical assistance. Several of our sisters and brothers are in search of their loved ones, so I ask that we keep them all in prayer and offer moral support to them as this situation unfolds.

Mid-South Graduate Chapter has a vested interest in our national effort because it has been involved in supporting Konbit Pou Edikasyon since 2008. We look to Mid-South providing further information on the status and needs of the staff and students there.

Finally, if you know of Swings or Grooves who have family members or are themselves in need of assistance as a result of the Haitian Earthquake, please download and complete the Haitian Relief Assistance Application and submit as specified. Charity begins at home, so we want first and foremost to assist our sisters and brothers.

In closing, I again thank all of the many sisters who have and will contributed their time, energy, money, support and prayers to this worthwhile cause.

Yours in Sisterhood Always,