Haitian Woman in Savannah Organizing Fundraiser for Orphans

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- One woman is teaming up with a local business to help some of the most vulnerable victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the country's orphans.

"It's shattered. It's like, 'Where do I go home to now?' Home doesn't exist any more," said Christina Swenson, who was born in Haiti and left there when she was 18 years old.

Swenson has seen the devastating images from her native land. She lost 3 family members in last month's earthquake, and her relatives who are still there are homeless.

"Only one has a home standing, like the exterior shell but the inside is completely damaged, and they're afraid to go inside," she said.

Now Swenson is working to help some of the youngest victims of the quake.

"We had a high rate of orphans in Haiti to begin with, and now with the quake that rate is going to double or triple so we wanted to put our energy and efforts into helping those kids," she said.

She and the owners of SEED Eco Lounge are organizing a big fundraiser for the children of Haiti.

"All of us here really wanted to be able to reach out and do something, kind of do our part," said SEED Eco Lounge co-owner Luciana Thompson.

The event on February 13 will raise money to provide the children with basic necessities.

"They're taking in orphans everyday, and they need desperate help because their buildings have collapsed, so these orphans are sleeping in the courtyards, in the gardens," said Swenson.

They're thankful for the community support so far, and hope the event will be a success.

"Come out. Have a good time, enjoy a little taste of Haiti, and all the while do it for the children," said Thompson.

The fundraiser is Saturday, February 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at SEED Eco Lounge at 39 Montgomery Street. There will be a silent auction, and they'll be selling bracelets for $5 each to raise money for Morning Star Christian Academy and Maison de Lumiere Orphanage in Haiti.

Several local businesses are donating items or sponsoring the event in some way. Red Bull will donate $1 for every drink purchased that is made with Red Bull.

For more information, you can call 912-349-5100 or visit http://www.facebook.com/seedecolounge