www.iwant2help.org Operation Helping Hands, a joint community
project of The Miami Herald and United Way-Miami, will be collecting
donations to support the relief effort in Haiti.

The Archdiocese of Miami is accepting financial donations to assist
with recovery efforts for the earthquake victims in Haiti. People may
send their donations to Catholic Charities, 1505 NE 26th St. Wilton
Manors, FL 33305, Attention Earthquake Victims.

www.mercycorps.org Mercy Corps established a Haiti Earthquake Fund,
PO Box 2669,Portland, OR 97208, , 1-888-256-1900


AMERICAN RED CROSS
Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to make a $10 donation.
2025 East Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 (800) REDCROSS (733-2767)


Resources:


State Department’s Hotline for Americans Concerned about their family members in Haiti 1-888-407-4747

Haitian Citizens in the U.S.

Haitian citizens in the U.S. should call the Haitian Embassy in Washington, D.C., 202-332-4090, or the Haitian Consulate in New York City, 305-859-2003. I have not received additional guidance on other resources available to Haitian citizens living in the U.S. who have earthquake-related queries, but if I will pass on if I do.

Volunteer Opportunities

Additionally, persons who wish to provide assistance or expertise in Haiti are asked to contact the Center for International Disaster Information. The Center, operated under a grant from the United States Agency for International Development's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, has established a dedicated page to coordinate Haiti support at: http://www.cidi.org/incident/haiti-10a/


Contributions/Donations

If you receive calls from constituents about how they can make contributions and donations to disaster relief, the following web links can be provided:

U.S. citizens who wish to contribute to the relief effort for Haiti after the earthquake, either online or by text message, can visit www.WhiteHouse.gov.

Below you will find the links to the Center for International Disaster Information's (CIDI) Guidelines and FAQ, which will be helpful in answering questions from constituents around the country. That website also has the Guidelines available in French and Kreyol, if you should need them.

Please be aware that CIDI will also be reaching out to US representatives on the Hill with constituents from the Haitian diaspora, as well as various diaspora groups and the embassy/consulates.

http://www.cidi.org/guidelines/guide_ln.htm

http://www.cidi.org/media/faq.htm

As most of you may know, my native country Haiti was hit by an earthquake and is in dire need of assistance. As a woman of faith, I have prayed for my people and now it's time to act because I believe that "faith without works is dead". So please join me as I plan a relief drive to collect funds, clothing, food, water, supplies, medical supplies, etc.

I've  partnered with organizations to provide their facility as a drop off location. I have already made arrangements with various transportation outlets that will bring the supplies to Haiti.

If you are interested in being a drop off location for the drive, please contact me at 305-297-9247 or maevatheartist@gmail.com



Together we can make this happen!

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Maeva "The Artist" Renaud
President of Arts of Color Worship Arts Institute,Inc.


Drive Locations:

Shalom Community Church Mon-Sun 9am-8pm 900 NE 132ST North Miami, FL 33161 (305) 892-9204

Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church 130 NE 62nd Terrace Miami, FL 33138 (305) 751-6289

DIVAS BEAUTY SALON Mon-Sun 9am-9pm 15028 NE 6th Ave North Miami , Fl 33161

Next Level Barbershop Downtown, Miami 238 N.E. 1 st ave Miami, Fla
33132...305-374-3651 Colbert or Alain Monday-Saturday 9:30 am to 7pm

Agape Youth Ministry Center 1550 NE 165th St North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Hours are 930 am - 9pm. Contact info is 305-949-0935

Little River Service Center 6301 NE 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33138 M-F 8am-5pm 305-960-4660


Haitian American Law Association (Law Offices of Champagne & Surin) 480 NE 13 St Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 M-Sat 9am-5pm 954-463-0709

Hallandale High School 720 NW 9th Ave Hallandale, FL 33009 M-F 7am-3pm 754-323-0900

MacTown 151 NE 62nd Street Miami, FL 33138 M-Sun 24 hours 305-495-2686

Miami Temple 9175 Southwest 44th Street, Miami FL 33165 305-223-2102

Magesco Inc. 7010 NE 4th Ct, Miami FL 33138 M-F 8:30-4:30pm 305-397-6711

Church of Healing Rain 8950 Stirling Rd., Hollywood FL 33024 954-431-3118

Paradise D&L Unisex Salon 7992 Riviera Blvd Miramar, FL 33023 305-303-7938
Salla's Barber Shop 6970 Pembroke Rd. Pembroke Pines Fl 33023 Tues-Sun 10am - 8p 954-963-1037

Concerned African Women, Inc. 1505 NW 167th Street, Suite 101 Miami Gardens, FL 33169 (305) 621-3700

Nova Southeastern University (HPD-TERRY BLDG) 3200 S. University Drive Davie, Fl 33328 954-317-8706

Living Word Community Church 5770 W. Oakland Park Blvd Lauderhill, Fl 33313 954.485.0090
Mount Bethel Baptist Church 901 NW 11th Ave Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33311


(954) 763-5644 M-Thu 9am-5pm Fri 9am-1pm Sat 7am-3pm Sun 6:30am-3:00pm

ABC TOOLS, INC 111 NW 79 STREET MIAMI, FL 33150 (305)769-4890

Christian Haitian Outreach 13438 SW 131st Street Miami, FL 33186 phone: 786-573-0850

Bishop Victor T. Curry and New Birth Baptist will accept supplies at Vision to Victory Center in Little Haiti @ 8400 NE 2nd Avenue and WMBM Radio station @ 13230 NW 7 avenue, North Miami, FL 33168 (305) 769-1100.
Haiti Consulate Office 259 Southwest 13th Street Miami, FL 33130-4276 (305) 859-2003

FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus DM 33411200 S.W. 8th Street Miami, Florida 33199 Department Open: 8:00am-5:00pm Michelle.Lamarre@fiu.edu Tel.: 305.348.2247

Sickle Cell Foundation Locations Contact 407-485-1299
7289 Garden Rd, Ste 104. Riviera Beach, Fl 33404
1600 N. Australian Ave West Palm Beach, Fl 33407
136 south Main Street Belle Glade, Fl 33430
15516 South West Osceala Blvd Indiantown, FL 34956

Toussaint L'Ouverture High School 1325 Gateway Boulevard Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (561) 738-9800

Evangel Church International 590 NW 159th Street Miami, FL 33169 (305) 945-4770
EKKLESIA GLOBAL CHURCH- WEST KENDALL AREA
ACCEPTING ONLY MEDICAL SUPPLIES & DRY FOOD-NO CLOTHING
7205 SW 125TH AVE MIAMI, FL 33187
EL BUEN SAMARITANO CHURCH-CENTRAL MIAMI AREA
4585 W. FLAGLERMIAMI, FL 33147DROP OFF TIME M-F BETWEEN 10-1PM
Key Financial 7900 NW 156 Street Suite 108 Miami Lakes, Fla. 33016
call: 305-494-3939 for more info on hours, we can open doors for you at anytime any day

Chosen Gems Fine Arts Center4660 n. University Dr. Lauderhill 33351Promeande at Invorary Plaza
Hours- 2pm-5pm*CALL IN ADVANCE(954) 439-5085(954) 296-7543

DeledoPark 2520 nw 6th Street Fort Lauderdale 33311 Hours- 12pm-4pm Relief Effect
(954) 791-1036Betty (954) 854-5673

Paine Chapel AME church 801 9th street WPB, Fl 33401 (561) 832-2023 (321) 544-8780
(561) 832-2035 Pastor REV. Bronfield/ Daisy Lainer & David THomas Hours- 9am- 3pm Mon-Fri

I'm turning 2......lol 27 yeah! And of course being a person that is driven on living a life of purpose. On my birthday, I'm throwing a fundraiser to help an orphanage in Haiti. It's a party for a cause and you know I like to party!

It's going to be at KITCHEN 305 in Sunny Isles on the BEACH BABY!!!
So come out and celebrate with me and support my cause.

Event starts at 10pm
There will be performances by wonderful friends of mine, who happen to be artists! (My own little Rat Pack)-if you don't know look it up :-)


Performances by
Neo Soul Songstress- LAVIE- That's my girl!

Actor, Poet & Activist- DEVIN T.ROBINSON X- He's so inspiring and cute
too, I think he's single ladies (wink, wink)

Reggae Soultress- KRISTINE ALICIA- This girl can sanG!!!

Funkadelic Sounds- LAGUARDIA HIPHOP- I think we were switched at birth!

R&B Groove- GEORGE TANDY JR- What??This guy is...he makes me drool..lol- his music that is.

Revolutionary Noise- SEKAJIPO GENES- Seriously, he makes me want to fight somebody

Spanish Reggae Fusion- OMAYRA- She surprised the heck out of me!

Hip Hop Soul- FINAL SECOND- His is soul stirring!

and of course DJ BRIMSTONE will mix it up for you all to get down and shake your tusshies..just don't hurt yourselves...lol

Come on out, bring a friend. It's $10 entry...all the proceeds will go towards the orphanage. So make it a determination this new year to give back...start at my party!

See you then.

Oh and special thanks to BROCK MIAMI for sponsoring the event at Kitchen 305.

If you have questions,
call me or email maevatheartist@aol.com

Love you and see you Friday night!

Artists, Poets, and Community Leaders Take Action on the Millennium Development Goals to help end World Hunger and Poverty

(Sunny Isles, FL) On the eight day of the new year, Haitian born Poet and activist , Maèva “The Artist” Renaud and eight other community leaders will come together to discuss the importance of getting involved in humanitarian efforts both locally and globally. In efforts to create awareness on the 8 Millennium Development Goals established by the UN in 2000, Bloggers, Journalists, and Media personalities are invited to attend this community forum and press conference at 3pm Some of the panelists will include Henryka Manès, the Founding Executive Director of Eco Works International, who has a 20-year experience in the Humanitarian Aid and International Development field. Major Joseph Bernadel, President of the Center for Education, Training and Holistic Approaches (CETHA. INC), Actor, Activist and Aids Awareness Poet- Devin T. Robinson X, Artist and Women’s Rights Advocate, Dalhia Perryman and more.

“Seeking justice for others is very important to me. I believe it is my purpose. I think everyone was born to fight for something. I choose to fight for equality, not just in my country Haiti, but for the World.” Maèva Renaud- Founder of Arts of Color Worship Arts Institute, Inc.

The event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that 192 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015. They include reducing extreme poverty, reducing child mortality rates, fighting disease epidemics such as AIDS, and developing a global partnership for development.

Maèva “The Artist” Renaud is a performance art poet and ONE Member. Her vision is to be a voice for the voiceless. Beginning March 22nd, 2010 (World Water Day) Renaud will tour around the U.S. to create awareness on some of the global crisis, specifically the World Water Crisis through her campaign “Change is Coming: A Call to Action”. Renaud uses the arts to convey messages that will impact the world and provoke others to take action. Renaud is the founder and artistic director of Arts of Color Worship Arts Institute, Inc. A 501 (c) 3 Tax Exempt Performing Arts Company. For more information on how you can get involved visit www.changeiscomingcampaign.com or www.maevatheartist.com

Sponsored by Brock Entertainment Group, Inc.

Many people think that all artists care about is selling their work, well DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE! There are plenty of artists who use their gifts not only to make a profit, but to truly impact the lives of people. I'm very blessed and fortunate to know such artists and had the opportunity to "chat" with them on a one on one basis.

Name: Dalhia Patrice Perryman
Hometown: Currently in West Palm Beach, Florida
Art Form(s): Visual Artist, Poet, Jewelry, Dance

Maevatheartist: I know you've been to the site , what did you think of it?
Dalhia0308: I thought it was phenomenal...it's very inspiring to see how other artists are impacting their piece of the planet.
Maevatheartist: Yes, I meet a plethora of artists on a day to day basis. Especially in the West Miramar and Pembroke Pines area. South Florida is full of talent. And what I've noticed is that a lot of the artists are really about something, something greater than just their art form.
Now I know you are involved in a lot of things, can you tell me what you've been up lately?
Dalhia0308: Its easier to say what I'm not involved in. I'm an American Red Cross Disaster Action Team member in training to aide people devastated by wildfires, house fires and hurricanes. I'm also a new case worker with the Red Cross helping to reunite Holocaust survivors with their families. In two weeks, I will begin my sixth year as a Susan G Komen for the Cure volunteer (a breast cancer foundation), and my first year as a member of their speaker's bureau.
Maevatheartist: Wow, how do you relate what you do with your art?
Dalhia0308: My art is how I express the causes I believe in. In my dance, my poetry and art I address pressing social issues, ie, racism, AIDS, domestic violence, genital mutilation, Darfur. Often people will receive your message easier when its disguised as art. Like the quote says "It takes a spoonful of sugar to make the medicine go down."
Maevatheartist: That is true. What is the main message you try to address in your work?
Dalhia0308: I guess the main point of my work is to inform people that there is a world out their larger than themselves and that they have not only the responsibility but also the power to positively affect change in that community, You don't have to be a King, Gandhi or Mandela to leave your mark on the world. We all can do SOMETHING!
Maevatheartist: Preach sistah, preach!
Maevatheartist: So who is your target audience? who are you speaking to?
Dalhia0308: Heck! My work as a whole is for whoever will listen but a lot of my work is aimed at young black girls. I want them to feel that they are queens...no matter what images the world slings at them!
Maevatheartist: why young black girls?
Dalhia0308: Because a few years ago, I WAS that little black girl that was told I was ugly, worthless, wouldn't amount to anything, would be pregnant before I finished high school. I not only beat those stereotypes, I destroyed them in my life! Now its my responsibility to let young ladies know they don't have to believe what is said. I've often heard it said 'it's not what they call you, it's what you answer to'
Maevatheartist: You remind me of someone else I interviewed who mentioned the same thing, do you think this is a big issue in the African American community?
Dalhia0308: Oh most definitely! Probably bigger than we like to admit to
Maevatheartist: What do you think needs to be done to address the issue and what kind of solutions would you suggest?
Dalhia0308: Like I said before everything doesn't have to be a worldwide campaign. If every older woman took one younger woman and imparted knowledge, they'd find that they have already impacted a whole community, because that young woman is a future, mother, wife, community member, worker, grandmother.... Think of how many lives you just reached through that one girl!
Maevatheartist: Were you that one girl? who impacted you with your art and social service?
Dalhia0308: Yes I was/am that girl. It takes a village....Different teachers provided, free art supplies, school supplies, dance leotards etc. The biggest person to impact my life however was a woman named Sandra Kay Papakostas. She was my gifted teacher in school. Her leading influenced my cancer and AIDS work, my art, writing, oratory, pageantry and the person I am today. She taught me my worth and told me my art was a catalyst 4 change. I owe her a lot and hope wherever she is that she is proud
Maevatheartist: So what is your latest art piece? Are you working on anything new?
Dalhia0308: I got a grant to provide artwork to organizations that empower women and young girls. I am doing a piece to be used as a fundraiser for an organization in Miami called Girl Power that works with at risk teen/middle school girls
Maevatheartist: Awesome, where can people view your work Dalhia?
Dalhia0308: A website is in the works for both my art and jewelry..so more to come on that. In the meantime, the next work on my calendar is not until the last week in February...the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival (Lake Worth, FL)
Maevatheartist: I'll definitely want to come then!
Dalhia0308: Please do, its free to the public
Maevatheartist: Thank you so much Dalhia for "chatting" with me today. I do wish you the best on all your future endeavors.

ARTIST: DJ SCOOBZ
AGE: 30
HOMETOWN: BOSTON , MASS
ART FORM: MAKING, MIXING MUSIC, TURNTABLISM (IF THATS A WORD LOL)
LINE OF WORK: DJ, PRODUCER, REMIXER, AUDIO ENGINEER, EVENT PLANING , PROMOTIONS, ARTIST DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT, AND FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF PHATT TRAXX PRODUCTIONS

Maevatheartist: Would you consider yourself then an artist or an entrepreneur?
Djscoobz: both, i started as an artist and later became an entrepreneur
Maevatheartist: How long have you been mixing? Djscoobz: u kinda have to to both if you wanna make a living as an artist. u have to market urself. ive been mixing since 1992
Maevatheartist: What got you into mixing?
Djscoobz: just the love of music. as a kid i was was always recording tapes from the radio. i even recorded BET music videos on vhs. i gues i got hooked to the whole hip hop movement and its elements
Maevatheartist: What kind of projects are you working on now?
Djscoobz: workin on original music now. writing and producing( a big difference form just makin beats ,anyone can do that)
Maevatheartist: so you're working with artists now?
Djscoobz: i have a few djs w/ phatt traxx djs so im gettin them ready to shut it down. wanna put my own stuff out first. wanna put sum party records out there, sort of like fatman scoop did
Maevatheartist: So where can people here your mixes?
Djscoobz: on http://www.djscoobz.com . i got a few mixes on there now that u can download for free. and im workin on a mixtape now. probably be done late aug early september
Maevatheartist: Awesome, I'll definetely check it out. Now, every artist has a reason for doing their thing, why do you do what you do?
Djscoobz: well for one, i love it, two i like to entertain people and give them the time of there life, even if it is only for a nite. 3 i could be sick , depressed , stressed out , havin a bad day but when im behind my turntables it all goes away. it's sometimes a euphoric feeling. every thing gets better
Maevatheartist: I feel the same way about my writing. It takes me to another place. So how do you give back to the community?
Djscoobz: i participate in toy drives and clothes drive whenever i can. and i do alot relief work for Haiti through Wyclef. i have to use my big voice in the community to make people aware and help the less fortunate. i also participate in mentoring programs such as men of tomorrow.
Maevatheartist: If there was one cause that you would fight for with everything that you have, what would that be?
Djscoobz: getting Haiti to a country without as much poverty. more governmental structure and better education. there is no reason it should be in the state it's in now
Maevatheartist: Are you Haitian?
Djscoobz: a proud Haitian
Maevatheartist: that's what's up, so am I born in Port-au-Prince. Well , i'm glad to see that you are striving to make changes in the community.
Djscoobz: of course
Maevatheartist: What would you say to young people who are interested in becoming artists?
Djscoobz: stay focused. make sure u have the passion, master your art and be set apart from the rest. stick out or no will notice you.
Maevatheartist: That's what's up! Scoobz, it was a pleasure chatting with you. I do wish you the best on your up-coming projects, and I will check out your site http://www.djscoobz.com to get my FREE Download!
Djscoobz: thanx, anytime ma

South Florida is full of life, talent, and delicious food. Recently, I've been fortunate to get a taste of one of SF's emerging artist, Lavie. She actually came and shared one of her songs at the open-mic event that I host on Wednesday evenings, and the audience was screaming for more. So of course I had to get with her and find out some more about her music.
Maeva: Hey Lavie what's going on with you girl
laviemusic25: My face hurts. Lol. Took this tooth out
Maeva: your face hurts? wow...I'm sorry to hear that.
were you at the dentist?
laviemusic25: Yes. They took it out that's why I didn't speak this morning
Maeva: so listen, on my website, http://www.changeiscomingcampaign.com/
I list up-coming events and feature artists interviews
laviemusic25: Ok
Maeva: The way I do my interviews is through "chatting" like we are doing now
its nothing formal, very chill laid back be yourself
laviemusic25: Ok
Maeva: So you are actually the first artist that I'm interviewing for my blog, how does that make you feel Lavie?
laviemusic25: It's an honor. ;-)
Maeva: kewl, so tell me a little bit about yourself, what do you do?
laviemusic25: I'm 26. I've been saved for 8 years and still learning and pushing toward the mark. I am a vocalist for Christ. I sing gospel music only. I feel like God gave me my voice so I will return it to him. For him to get the glory
Maeva: so what makes you different from other gospel vocalists?
laviemusic25: The thing that makes me different is that I can cross over into all styles of music and still sound like me. I am who I am.
Maeva: So how would you describe your style of music?
laviemusic25: I would say that it's life music. Music that deals with life.
Maeva: music that deals with life? girl you're only 26, what you been dealing with???
laviemusic25: Well....I was married at 18 and had my daughter and divorced at 21. I had to grow up quickly and I saw a lot of things at a early age with my ex-husband and as a young girl drugs and abuse was very real to me.
Maeva: dang, married, divorce, a kid...you had your hands full. So if you don't mind me asking, what kind of drugs did you use?
laviemusic25: Cigarettes, black and mild and marijuana. As I got older I went to liquor.
Maeva: Do you still smoke?
laviemusic25: No. I stopped
Maeva: drinking too ;-)
laviemusic25: I have drinks but I don't over do it.
Maeva: Ok, I know i'm getting all up in your business, but for real, what's really good with you? I heard you had an album release at the Hard Rock, tell me about that.
laviemusic25: It was awesome. It was a total success. Cd sales weren't great but the turn out was awesome.
Maeva: what's the name of your cd?
laviemusic25: Life music
Maeva: nice...so how many tracks are on it?
laviemusic25: Eleven. There is a bonus track that is not listed.
Maeva: ooh I love bonus tracks. So where can people find your cd?
laviemusic25: If they want it mailed to them my website. http://www.laviemusic.com/ or just email me and I will meet up with them. Working on getting distribution
Maeva: cool, so what's next for you now?
laviemusic25: Get the word out. Wait for what does next
Maeva: That's whats up, thanks for taking the time out to chat with me. I have one last question for you. If you had one thing to say to the entire world, what would that be?
laviemusic25: Jesus is real.
Maeva: Thank you Lavie for being my first guest artist on the Change is Coming blog, I do wish you the best on your distribution deal and Life Music.
Do you girl!
laviemusic25: Thank you for having me.
Maeva: And spread the word about the blog, let your fans know who you been talking to.
Peace
laviemusic25: Will do. :-)