At a glance: United States of America

Harlem youth raise funds for children in Chad

© UNICEF/2005/Markisz

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Harry Belafonte accepts a cheque on behalf of UNICEF from the Boys & Girls Harbor.

By Mario Diaz and Maya Dollarhide

NEW YORK, 28 April 2005 – Youth from the Boys & Girls Harbor – a charitable organization based in Harlem, New York City – visited UNICEF headquarters today to deliver in person a donation supporting programmes for children in Chad. UNICEF Goodwill ambassador Harry Belafonte was on hand to greet the four youth ambassadors and receive a cheque on behalf of UNICEF.

The girls and boys of the organization raised the money themselves with their own talent and time. The funds included $20,000 raised through a silent auction featuring their artwork. The auction was part of the “Gift of Life” programme, an annual fundraising event for the Harbor.

“I think one of the ways to ensure the welfare and happiness of children is to get children involved in their own interests,” said Mr. Belafonte.

© UNICEF/2005/Markisz

Harry Belafonte with the four youth ambassadors from Boys & Girls Harbor.

The Boys & Girls Harbor was founded by Anthony Drexel Duke 67 years ago. The Harbor runs a charter school, after-school programmes, a literary centre, and an environmental camp. The organization has a holistic child-focused approach promoting the education, emotional, social and physical well-being of the child.

Mr. Belafonte praised the participating children and the programme. “To have young people, like the boys and girls who came from the Harbor, using their talent and gifts to reach out to the children in the world who are less fortunate than themselves is an excellent and admirable expression,” he said.

The young artists, whose collages were among the auctioned works, included Russell Short, Christina Rodriguez, Samantha Dazzle and Philip Schultz. They plan to continue their efforts to help children around the world. 

“It’s a feeling of knowing that you can do something, that you change a person’s life, a whole country’s life. It’s a great feeling!” said Ms. Rodriguez.