Wings Plus Hosts Fundraiser for Haiti Relief

Our Town News - Coral Springs, FL. – Thursday January 28, 2010   3:53 P.M. ET

By Nicol Jenkins

As Wens Petitfrere called his Haitian relatives for the fifth time this afternoon with no answer, he found some hope in the many residents who dropped off boxes of canned goods and donations for Haiti relief. Petitfrere is one of more than 20 Haitian employees at Wings Plus that have not reached their loved ones since the earthquake struck.

Wings Plus, on Sample Road in Coral Springs, hosted a fundraiser from opening till close to help with the relief efforts.

“It’s a good thing. They’re thinking about us and care about us,” said Petitfrere, a cook at the Wings Plus on Sample Road. He could not reach his three brothers and niece who live in Port-au-Prince.

Many residents dropped off boxes of canned goods, supplies and cash donations at Wings Plus. Shari Sopourn, inventor of Bailout! The Game and organizer of the fundraiser, was elated with the community support. “As soon as they opened their doors, a woman handed me a $100 bill. Also, people have been thinking outside the box. One resident cleared out their hurricane supplies, and one bought all different colors of flip flops,” said Sopourn.

The event was sponsored by: Wings Plus, Social Gorilla and Bailout! The Game. Businesses also donated their time free of charge, such as DJ Big Daddy Gonzo and Bobby the Balloon guy. Other businesses, such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, gave donations to give goody bags to those who donated, and everyone who made a cash donation received a free copy of a Bailout! Game.

“Everyone has stepped up to the plate, and Brian Walsh, the owner of Wings Plus, has done so much for the community,” said Sopourn. “It’s important to teach our children that they may have less because of the economy but there are people who have a lot less and are in much greater need.” Wings Plus also donated 30 percent of the food sales today to the Red Cross.

Randy Katchmar, Manager of Wings Plus, says there are about 25 Haitian employees who haven’t been in contact with some of their family members. “They still can’t reach everybody, and we wanted to show our support,” said Katchmar.

Sisters Lauren and Brianna Sopourn helped collect supplies and other items dropped off at Wings Plus. “It’s fun to do charity events,” said 12-year-old Brianna.

Coral Springs City Commissioner Vince Boccard also showed his support by dining at the restaurant. “I wanted to show my support for the community and the Haitian community. It’s going to be a long term recovery for them, and as they heal, we will be exposed to what they are really going to need,” said Boccard.

Ellen Odza and her family, 6-year-old Emily and 9-year-old Eric, donated canned goods and ate lunch. “What happened in Haiti is horrific, they need help, and it teaches the kids how fortunate they are,” said Ellen. Beverly Rodgers and her daughters Kayla and Alexia dropped off canned goods and supplies. “These people are in need, and we are a lot better off than they are,” said Beverly.

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