By Allison Musante, Staff Writer
More than a year after an earthquake devastated Haiti, an American Red Cross report shows that Princeton and its surrounding communities contributed at least $2 million towards the global relief effort in the past year.
The American Red Cross raised $479 million for the people of Haiti, according to its one-year report released last week. Of the total, the three New Jersey chapters raised $20 million, $2 million of which came from residents in Princeton, West Windsor, Plainsboro, Montgomery and Rocky Hill, said Diane Concannon, spokeswoman for the central New Jersey chapter located on Alexander Road in West Windsor.
”When these disasters occur, there is such a phenomenal outpouring of support,” she said. “After the earthquake, people called us and wanted to know what they could do. Some people told us they wanted to go there, but since we couldn’t really do that, we told them fundraising was really the best way to help.”
Ms. Concannon said her data did not show exactly how many businesses, school groups and families contributed, but that the central New Jersey office processed more than 2,000 donations. Companies, independently owned restaurants, athletes from the area high schools, and penny drives from elementary school children were among her list of local donors. She said countless other individuals and companies in the area sent donations directly to the main office in Washington, D.C., or “texted” donations via cell phones.
”It’s heartwarming,” she said. “Princeton, especially, is always willing to step up and help. We’re so grateful for all their help.”
One of the most successful fundraisers was held by NRG Energy, based in West Windsor. By triple-matching employee donations, the company sent the Red Cross a check for more than $143,000, only weeks after the earthquake in January.
”The tragic events in Haiti have deeply affected all of us at NRG, as we see our global neighbors endure unfathomable loss and deprivation while facing a future without loved ones, homes, schools or virtually any other modern infrastructure,” David Crane, NRG president and CEO, said in a statement.
Fundraising was also held at Panera Bread locations across the state, including its Nassau Street location. In two weeks, the company matched all customer donations with a 50 percent contribution, submitting a total donation of nearly $38,000.
”We are grateful to our customers for their continued support in times of great need,” said Jim Nawn, a managing member of the company, in a Red Cross statement. “Time and time again, we are overwhelmed by their generosity.”
The Nassau Inn, at Palmer Square, held a benefit in February that raised $11,000. Dozens of area businesses donated food, services and prizes for the event, including Triumph Brewery, Alchemist and Barrister, Bent Spoon, Salt Creek Grille, Westminster Choir College and the Princeton University Art Museum.
Even children made a difference towards the goal, Ms. Concannon said. The Corriveau family, of Plainsboro, held a fundraising birthday party during Memorial Day weekend. The tradition began the previous year, when the parents, Bob and Jessica, asked guests to bring a donation for a charity in lieu of gifts for the four children, whose May and June birthdays were combined into one party. Their oldest son, Colin, suggested donating the money, which totaled $410, to Haiti relief.
The children, “felt really good about their efforts and had a great sense of pride,” Mr. and Mrs. Corriveau said in a statement.
According to the report, the Red Cross expects to have spent about $245 million of the total aid raised, most of which has gone to providing emergency shelter, food and water. The report said the Red Cross has provided medical care for nearly 217,000 patients, cash grants and loans to help 220,000 people, daily drinking water for more than 317,000 people, emergency shelter for more than 860,000 people, and vaccinations and food for more than a million people.
The report also said the organization expects to spend about $100 million of the remaining funds on construction of permanent homes and community development projects, to take place over the next few years.

