A Conversation with Cathy Cann
Cathy Cann is Miss Conneticut National Pre-Teen who, at13 years old has been an active volunteer in her community and especially for Haiti Lumiere de Demain. She has organized and hosted a benefit concert for HLD, as well as traveled to La Gonave, Haiti to visit the communities HLD serves.
What motivated you get involved with Haiti Lumiere de Demain?
“My motivation to do volunteer work started when I was young while me and my family frequently volunteered in our community and church. When I was eight years old I realized I was very fortunate and I wanted to help less fortunate children to have the same opportunities. What motivated me to do volunteer work for the children of Haiti was the negative reputation that was portrayed in the media. My desire to get involved with Haiti Lumiere de Demain started when I met Louis Elenus, the president of HLD. Mr. Elenus introduced me to the mission of HLD and it touched my heart. Through HLD I’ve learned how poorly children live in certain, if not most, parts of Haiti. Many children, because of the unfortunate poverty in Haiti do not have the opportunity to go to school.”
What made you decide to do a benefit concert?
Being a dancer is one of my many passions in which I have done many benefit concerts; therefore the idea came to mind to host my own to benefit the work of HLD with the children of La Gonave, whom I have developed a relationship even though I have never met any of them. My mother is from Haiti and she inspired me and supported my idea of hosting the benefit concert activity as well as going to Haiti to do volunteer work. I felt it was important to take action and help eradicate illiteracy and poverty among the school age children of Haiti because education is very valuable and children are the future of the world.”
Cathy took on the project of the concert by herself; all initiatives came from her, while her parents acted as her guide. Her tasks included creating awareness of her mission and recruiting performers, which totaled 130, as well as volunteers. It also required networking with businesses and organizations for donations and sponsorships. Technical details such as securing the location, printing tickets and programs, and organizing the concession stand were Cathy’s responsibility. Along with all this, Cathy had to promote the concert and try to sell all the tickets.
What were the challenges you faced in organizing the concert and what did you take from the experience?
“The most difficult part was convincing the sound person and printer not to charge me a lot of money. It was also difficult to sell all the tickets. The auditorium seats 500 people and 200 tickets were sold. I also did not reach my financial goal of raising ($5000) five thousand dollars. I did get to raise three thousand three hundred dollars ($3300) and educated my community of my mission. Along with 30 performers who worked together to accomplish a common goal, I raised awareness in my community regarding educational, environmental, and the economic struggles that the children of Haiti experience on a daily basis. Students, parents, and teachers now understand the educational need of children in Haiti. The Haitian community, in particular the children of La Gonave, directly benefited from this mission by receiving the textbooks and school supplies they desperately need. I am in the process of coordinating another concert for next year. I am determined to raise $5000.00 next year.”
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