Haitians are still facing darkness and despair a year after the tragic earthquake that rocked Haiti, but their courage and vibrancy continue to shine and inspire. To celebrate Haiti's resilient spirit and raise much-needed funds for the Haitian people, Urban Zen and charitybuzz present THE TRUTH, an exhibition and auction of artwork by Haitian, Haitian American and Haitian-Inspired Artists, curated by acclaimed fashion photographer Marc Baptiste. The exhibition and auction will raise funds to send "Gifts of Love" packages with vital supplies to the Haitian people.
The online charity auction entitled THE TRUTH: A HAITI HOPE HELP & RELIEF AUCTION will be open to bidders worldwide at leading charity auction site charitybuzz through Jan 21 at www.charitybuzz.com/TheTruth. The online auction features 65 stunning photographic works of art from the exhibition, which is currently live at the Urban Zen Studio in New York. Photographic sponsor Poloroid will be donating all printing and framing services for the auction.
"Urban Zen created THE TRUTH to give back in a way that honors Haiti's rich past and her indigenous culture and builds a bridge to a connected and sustainable future for Haiti. I invite supporters all over the world to join us in the task of rebuilding this once vibrant nation," said
Donna Karan, acclaimed designer and founder of Urban Zen. "Whether it's donating money or shoes, whether it's bidding on a piece of Haitian art today or helping Haitians rebuild their homes tomorrow, there's something we each can do."
All proceeds of the auction will go to "Gifts of Love" and beneficiary camps Petonville, Yele Haiti, Partners in Healt, Leogane - Fritz Camp, Carrefour - Fritz Camp, Carrefour - Fritz Camp, and Bel aire - Edeyo. Marc Baptiste and volunteers will be in Haiti on Jan 27 to distribute the "Gifts of Love" packages to Haitians within these beneficiary camps. The "Gifts of Love" packages will include vital supplies: shoes, solar flashlights, condoms and whistles to offset night attacks and rapes on women. Cholera relief supplies will also be added as a critical component in these "Gifts of Love."
"Haiti will never die," said Marc Baptiste. "With dignity, dedication and gifts of love we will emerge from this tragedy a stronger community and nation. Education above all - both within Haiti and around the world - is the key."
Supporters can also make donations to send specific supplies to Haiti by visiting charitybuzz's theGOODS at www.charitybuzz.com/collections/5 through Jan 21. A gift of $30 sends two Earthspark solar-powered flashlights, $50 sends four pairs of Civic Duty shoes, $100 sends 1,000 Sir Richard's Condoms and $120 send 1,200 gallons of water to Haiti. THE TRUTH exhibition will be open for public viewing through Jan 23 at the Urban Zen Studio.
Marc Baptiste, acclaimed fashion photographer and curator of the exhibition and auction, is available for interviews. Baptiste has spent much of the past year in Haiti and can provide insight on the country's current condition and needs.
The Urban Zen Foundation (www.urbanzen.org) creates, connects and collaborates to raise awareness and inspire change in the areas of well-being, preserving cultures and empowering children. Urban Zen designs forums, partners with existing organizations and brings together experts to define solutions and implement action. To learn more, please visit www.urbanzen.org, email info@urbanzen.org, fan us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/UrbanZenFoundation or follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/Urban_Zen.
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