Javier Colon to Perform at CT Walks for Haiti Event

Soulful singer Javier Colon, who claimed the national spotlight as winner of NBC’s "The Voice," is set to perform at the fourth annual Connecticut Walks for Haiti event on Saturday, April 6.

Attracting hundreds of supporters, the annual walk through West Hartford raises funds to help Haiti’s most disadvantaged people, still struggling to cope with the devastating effects of the 2010 earthquake and ensuing cholera epidemic.

Proceeds from this year’s event will go directly to proven nonprofits in Haiti, working to improve access to healthcare and education for impoverished Haitians.

Touched by Haiti’s need, Colon, a West Hartford resident, is donating his services. He is expected to perform at 11: 30 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Church as walkers gather there to begin the 2.5 mile walk and attend the Haitian-themed festival, offering authentic Haitian cuisine, crafts and a silent auction, with items ranging from Red Sox tickets to gift cards from local businesses, and more. The event’s primary sponsor is Mitchell Auto Group of Simsbury.

The festivities run from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and feature Joe Furey of FOX CT News as master of ceremonies. Other entertainers are: the Interdistrict Steel Drum ensemble, Notes over Storrs, the Hall High School’s Freshmen and Voce di Coeli Choirs. Walkers and non-walkers will have plenty to enjoy.

The event’s organizer is CT Walks For Haiti, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization that supports the work of established nonprofits in Haiti. All event funds go directly to these groups. This year’s recipients are:

• The Haitian Health Foundation (www.haitianhealthfoundation.org) to support women in high-risk pregnancies at their Center of Hope in Jeremie.
• Haitian Humanitarian Network (www.HHNinc.org) to fund solar electric power for refrigeration, lighting and a water pump for a clinic in Beaulieu, a remote village.
• Medical Aid to Haiti (www.medicalaidtohaiti.com) to staff a mobile clinic in areas around Port-au-Prince.
• Outreach to Haiti (www.outreachtohaiti.org) for tuition and books for two Haitian students to attend university for a year.
• Partners In Health (www.pih.org) improve access to primary education in the Central Plateau through support of Ecole Bon Saveur in Cange.

For more information about the walk or to make a donation access the website:
www.ctwalksforhaiti.org. For questions: mail@ctwalksforhaiti.org or Nancy Pelletier at 860-803-6270.

Submitted by Connecticut Walks for Haiti.