Sharon Marchi, chair of the Lincoln County Ecumenical Committee for Haiti (LCECH), has announced that the 10th annual Haiti Benefit Dinner will be held Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at St Patrick’s Church in Damariscotta Mills (snow date Feb. 21). The theme for this year’s dinner is SOS Haiti.

Long-time Ecumenical Committee member and dinner founder Susan Meade of Newcastle said there is particular need this year to address the problem of food insecurity in Haiti. As a result of over a year of intermittent demonstrations and blockades to protest government corruption, the Haitian economy is on its knees. Food prices have risen dramatically and the slide of the Haitian currency is translating into higher prices for imported food. Agricultural production is also down.

In December 2019, the World Food Programme announced an increase in its efforts to provide emergency food assistance to 700,000 Haitians per day. WFP estimates one in three, or 3.7 million Haitians need urgent food assistance and one million are suffering from severe hunger. WFP issued an urgent appeal to UN member states to donate $67 million for this increased assistance.
Proceeds of past benefit dinners have been focused on projects in and around the northwest Haitian town of Gros Morne. The Friends of Gros Morne Committee have informed the LCECH that food security is the priority need this year.

Thomaston Place Galleries auctioneer John Bottero will again emcee a pledging session at the dinner in which there will opportunities to support a continuation of last year’s chicken raising family enterprises, to initiate a new program to introduce enhanced seed qualities, and an expanded hot school lunch program in elementary schools. The traditional basket of school supplies, books and uniforms will also be available for bid. General dinner proceeds also go for scholarships, food assistance to the indigent elderly, school repairs and supplies and other needs as determined by the Gros Morne committee.

The LCECH is also pleased to announce that Haitian inspired food will be prepared again this year by the Damariscotta River Grill and its new management. As usual, the dinner will feature Haitian music and there will be artwork, handicrafts, and Haitian coffee for sale.

Tickets for the dinner will $25 for adults and $15 for children and will be available in January.

For more information, to make a donation, to reserve tickets and/or to volunteer to help with the dinner, call 529-5239 or contact LCECH members: Sharon Marchi (chair), St Denis, Whitefield; Tom Eichler, St. Giles, Jefferson; Frazier and Susan Meade, St Andrew’s, Newcastle; Joanita Norman and Barbara Williams, St Patrick’s, Newcastle; Paula Campbell, 2nd Congregational, Newcastle; Sue Lewis, First Congregational of Wiscasset, Donna Flynn, Alna; or Dean Curran, Damariscotta.