Senate President Pro Tem Malcolm A. Smith Accepts $50,000 For Haitian Relief on Behalf Of Senate

“Somos Una Isla”…”We Are One Island”
 
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at a benefit concert themed “Somos Una Isla”, Senate President Malcolm A. Smith accepted $50,000 donated by Dominican band Aventura, and the group's tour sponsor, Anheuser-Busch, on behalf of the New York State Senate to give relief to the millions of Haitian citizens displaced by a massive earthquake last week.
 
The sold out Madison Square Garden concert featured the band from the Dominican Republic which shares a border with Haiti. Aventura donated $25,000 from concert proceeds and Anheuser-Busch matched the $25,000.
 
Aventura is one of the first entertainment groups to perform a benefit concert to help the millions of Haitian citizens affected by the earthquake last week.
 
“Tuesday’s devastating earthquake has affected many Haitian New Yorkers who are frantically  trying to reach their relatives and friends,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Smith.  “I extend my deepest sympathies to all those impacted by this horrific event and thank Aventura and Anheuser-Busch for their donation that will help restructure Haiti and save lives."
 
Senator John L. Sampson, extended his gratitude stating, "on behalf of the New York State Senate, I applaud Aventura and Anheuser-Busch for their generosity and leadership towards assisting millions of Haitian citizens affected by the devastating earthquake.  This sold out benefit concert will be remembered by New Yorkers and encourage all communities to work together to aid Haiti during this difficult time.”

Senator Kevin Parker, also extolled the virtues of the two entities generosity adding, “the catastrophe in Haiti has affected thousands of Haitian New Yorkers in my district.”  “I applaud Aventura  and Anheuser-Busch for donating 50,000 dollars to support the millions of Haitian citizens displaced by the massive earthquake last week.”