Press Release

Media Contact: Nicole Claude, (224) 202-5070 Email: nicole@TheNicoleClaudeShow.com

As a Haitian native and Founder of the Midwest Communication Network, Nicole Claude is announcing a benefit to raise money for relief of earthquake victims, and refugees of the wider Haitian / Caribbean diaspora. The event will be held: Sept. 26, 2010, from 11:00am - 10:00pm at Via Gelato, 1853 Tower Drive • Glenview, IL 60026. Details will be updated online at TheNicoleClaudeShow.com and www.ViaGelato.com

Specific uses for donated funds are as follows;
1) Create a communication and media that work within the diaspora
2) Act as a vital liaison / partner with Haitian leaders and native citizens
3) Coordinate quarterly relief trips to Haiti that focus on well-being, healthcare and education
4) Promote fundraising activities locally, nationally and internationally
5) Manage a growing team, including travel delegates who will act as communicators and innovators.

Ron and Denise, owners, are donating 20% of the day’s proceeds to the Haiti cause. Stop in for a gelato, lunch, or dinner and wine. Raffle tickets for prizes available all day!


The organization's goal is to support our devoted and compassionate leaders in elevating the nation of Haiti to a better future or... “soulever le pays.”

The Nicole Claude Show and team welcome donations of $20, $50, $75 and $100.

Please make checks payable to:
"Midwest Communication Network"
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available.

Background Information:
Haiti was founded as the First Black Republic in 1804 on the second largest Caribbean island, Perle des Antilles. During the past quarter century, the nation has become overpopulated; with a declining infrastructure that merges with a continuing lack of jobs and resources. Many inhabitants are poorly educated. On January 12, 2010, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti; and its impact continues to affect the community in profound ways. Thousands of people died in the most recent earthquake, while thousands more are still living in tents, with limited access to food and water. Agencies on the ground communicated to media reporters the ongoing problem of widespread “crisis fatigue.”

During a recent trip to Chicago, Haiti's Ambassador Guy Lamothe, Director General for the Centre de Facilitation des Investissements (CFI), updated Consul General Lesly Conde and his compatriots on the current socio-economic status of his endearing country. One alarming report is that the number of people living in the capital Port-au-Prince, has increased from 1 million to 2.5 million. Secondly, most Haitians remain jobless. Industrial factories that sustained 200,000 jobs in 1985 offer only 25,000 today.

Ambassador Lamothe is hopeful in turning Haiti’s economic status to a successful one by mobilizing its people. Some of his remarkable tools that he has placed in practice include a standard level of discipline, organization, timely registration and an “alphabet functionel.” (making the country's citizens literate).