Bulldog News

Hillside responds to Haitian crisis

Thursday, January 28, 2010

In the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters on record, members of the Hillside School community have responded enthusiastically to calls for helping the earthquake-ravaged nation of Haiti.

The response came in the form of the school’s “Dress Down Day” fundraiser. This special event enabled Hillsiders to make donations in support of Haiti in return for the privilege of enjoying a casual dress day on January 22. In addition, Hillside Headmaster David Z. Beecher offered his support by matching funds raised by the Hillside School community.

Hillside generated more than $2,000 through this effort which will be directed toward the Gaskov Clerge Foundation, a non-profit development agency which has been working in Haiti and is now actively participating in the Haitian relief effort.

Yves Montima, father of Hillside alum Brendan ’08, has long had ties to the Gaskov Clerge Foundation. The Montimas are natives of Haiti who currently live in Boston.

“We are proud of the quick responsiveness of our community to the Haitian disaster,” states Headmaster David Z. Beecher about the fundraising event. “Hopefully, our contributions will help make a difference for all of those still suffering from this devastating catastrophe.”

Along with the “Dress Down Day” initiative, members of the Hillside community joined together to light candles and offer a prayer for Haiti at their January 24 service in the on campus Chase Chapel.

“The students voiced hopes for Haiti during the service,” noted Hillside School Chaplain Abby Pettee. “These hopes ranged from residents having their basic needs met to Haitian citizens one day feeling whole and hopeful again.”

Ovie Ojeni '10 (right) signs-up Hillside students for the Haiti fundraiser (left to right): Toby K. '13, Christopher Barry '11, Maxim Moghadam '12, Hunter Cochran '11, Kevin Kim '11, and Christopher Zarba '13.