NORTH MIAMI (Le Floridien) – Family Action Network Movement (FANM) held its 27th annual gala at FIU’s Roz and Cal Kovens Conference Center, one of South Florida’s premier waterfront venues featuring breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay.
The event, which basically sold out one week prior, gathered a large audience in a packed ballroom. More than 350 people turned out to show love and appreciation to the members of this community not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to empower low to moderate income families socially, financially, and politically and provide them the tools to transform their communities.
This year’s benefit will allow the organization to reach more vulnerable children and adults with quality programs that change lives and strengthen families. This year’s theme was ‘Opportunity in Difficulty’. Elizabeth Guerin, co-Host of the morning radio show ‘Bonjour Haiti’ on Radio Mega 1700 AM, was the emcee for the Saturday night gala that kicked off with a welcome signature cocktail around 7:30pm. Professional Adlore D. Casseus performed both the American and Haitian national anthems.
During her opening remark, Marie-Paule Woodson, Chairwoman for the Family Action Network Movement, gave a warm welcome to supporters and guests and recalled the sacrifice made by Executive Director Marleine Bastien to keep this organization alive, despite some financial challenges and other difficulties. She also thanked Bastien for her leadership as FANM has become one of the Haitian community’s leading organizations providing a full spectrum of social programs and services for those in need.
Marleine Bastien, the Executive Director, used to alway say, that FANM is like the “United Nations,” a place where different nationalities are involved for defending the rights of the powerless. The audience at the 27th annual gala clearly demonstrated the diversity of this local organization. Anglo, African-American, Spanish, Jewish people, and of course many vital members of South Florida’s Haitian community such as businesspeople, political personalities, and other community figures, came together to take part in this event. Once again, this year’s celebration helped raise money to benefit the organization’s programs.
Gospel Singer Helen Zeigler of New Birth Baptist Church, professional dancer Sheila Bastien and her talented daughter Julia Descollines, and members of ‘The Nancy St. Leger Danse Ensemble,’ a local dance company, supported by some of Rara Lakay’s percussionists, entertained the audience.
The FANM Gala is a meaningful event. It has been held for many years and every year, as people have been coming out to support the programs more and more, the organization has been raising more funds.
“You could’ve gone to many places tonight, you choose to come here,” said Mrs. Bastien, the Executive Director. “I want to say big thank you and I really appreciate your presence at FANM 27th annual fundraising gala. We are glad to see that everybody’s really excited to support all the great programs we have at the center.” Bastien also took the opportunity to acknowledge the board members, especially the organization’s youth members and thanked them for their dedication and support.
12 years old Christina Ponthieux, FANM Youth Leader and Co-Chair of C-FAR (Children For Family Reunification), who has been going to Washington, advocating for TPS (both parents have TPS), since she was 9 years old, was the keynote speaker for this 27th annual gala.
The 2020 distinguished honorees at the event included: Monseigneur Jean Fritz Bazin, Dr. Rose Bleus, Ronald Surin, Esq. (Toussaint L’Ouverture Leadership Award), Retha Boone-Fye, Paul Novack, Esq, Conceptia Jean, MSW, and the Organization of the Year, the Haitian Heritage Museum.
Guests were treated to some exquisite Haitian food as well as decadent desserts. After the honorees were handed their plaques, the attendees had the opportunity to dance to a great variety of music spun by DJ NikyMix until the closing of the event around midnight.
Family Action Network Movement is an organization that was founded in 1991 to help immigrants from Haiti, especially women and children, adjust to their new community in South Florida. It has championed and advocated for the rights of those who have been underserved, marginalized, disenfranchised, and discriminated against in South Florida.
Some of the services provided at its office located in the heart of Little Haiti are: Adult Education and Literacy, Community Economic Development, Family Intervention and Empowerment, Health Promotion and Prevention, Immigration Advocacy, Citizenship, Public Policy, and Youth Development and Leadership.
FANM relies on the community’s support and to witness such strong enthusiasm that grows each and every year is a great indicator that those who rely on its services will be able to lean on them for many years to come.
DF/ LE FLORIDIEN