Alpine benefit raises $920 for Haiti

A Woodfords couple who wanted to do something after seeing the parade of photos showing the devastation in Haiti held a soup kitchen at their home last weekend to raise money, inviting a group of friends and neighbors.

"We made a big pot of soup, and asked everyone to bring bread, another soup, or a side dish, plus $20 to help Haiti," said Alpine County Supervisor Tom Sweeney. "We were hoping to have 30 people, and 38 folks actually attended."

"It was an amazing feeling, to see all these people having fun and to know that we're able to do something positive at the same time," Jane Sweeney said. "We would encourage others to consider the same kind of soup kitchen event - it was very easy to get rolling, and it was fun to gather a group of people for a night out while helping others."

The Sweeneys' soup kitchen raised $920 for Doctors Without Borders, a charity that helps send medical doctors to hard-hit disaster areas like Haiti.

"It was a good feeling, to be able to mail those checks off and to know that in some small way, we can be part of a solution," said Tom Sweeney. "We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated."

Those wishing to make their own donation for the Haiti relief effort may mail it to:

Doctors Without Borders USA

PO Box 5030

Hagerstown, MD 21741 or the charity of their choice.