Rain did little to put a damper on the community picnic hosted by South Windsor Haiti School, Inc. at Nevers Park on Saturday afternoon.
Indeed, the water races, pony rides, bouncy house, music, food and other activities went ahead as scheduled despite the inclement weather.
Several hundred residents showed up for the event, which raised over $6,000 for the South Windsor Haiti School, which was opened in response to the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti in January 2010, killing 300,000 people and destroying an estimated 5,000 schools.
Dr. Saud Anwar, a member of the South Windsor Haiti School, Inc., said that the turnout was reflective of the community’s understanding of how fortunate each member is to live in the U.S.
“We are blessed as a nation and a community and everyone sees that and wants to give,” said Anwar, noting that the rain in South Windsor Saturday was a mild inconvenience. “We are far better off than the people of Haiti because we have protections and shelter from the weather and other elements. This is a great start.”
Rabbi Jeff Glickman, also a member of South Windsor Haiti School, Inc., said that the dual purposes of the school - promote education in Haiti and bring the diverse parts of the South Windsor community together - were met with the picnic.
“It’s what brings people together,” Glickman said. “With the music, the food, the art and especially the cause, we’re responding to that need.”
Check out the photo gallery to see what took place.
