Omicron Surges…Casino Night Event Cancelled

Omicron Surges…Casino Night Event Cancelled

Omicron Surges…Casino Night Event Cancelled

Mardi Gras Casino Night Fundraiser CANCELLED!

Just when we thought it was safe to host a major in-person fundraiser, the Omicron variant surge halted us in our efforts. After careful consideration of supporters and event patrons, we are canceling our Casino Night Fundraiser which was scheduled for February 25th.

I saw a billboard today which read “2020 too…2022” – it made me pause to think back to our world almost 2 years ago. We’ve watched cases surge and calm and now surge again. It is confusing and an emotional rollercoaster as to what course of action we should take in regards to fundraising. Equally, these emotions play out for our efforts with our mission in Haiti. With no major in-person fundraisers in the past two years, we’ve had to dip into our depleting endowment and we are on the edge of budget cuts.

The Foundation is working with founder and MFO director Jean Louis to navigate a reduced budget and still devote funding towards a solid parochial education, meals, medication, housing, and care for the 177 residents of Maison Fortune Orphanage. Your support is crucial in our success to raise the future leaders of Haiti.

Would you please consider making a contribution in lieu of what you may have spent for a ticket to attend our canceled event? Individual tickets were set at $55 each and couples at $100.

To donate directly to the children of Maison Fortune Orphanage, Hinche, Haiti please visit our website Venmo @MFOF20

Checks can be mailed to:

PO Box 3092

Chesapeake, VA 23327

Please stay safe and be well!

With Love for all you do for the children,

Babs Zuhowski,
Executive Director

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

MFO Spirit of the Season Part 3

MFO Spirit of the Season Part 3

MFO Spirit of the Season Part 3

Spirit of the Season Part 3
The boys’ campus is bustling with activity today as residents and staff decorate, cook, and make ready for spreading the Spirit of the Season.

Earlier this week, students visited with local poor to invite them to a campus celebration tomorrow afternoon (Christmas Eve day), the children of Maison Fortune Orphanage will share the boy’s campus with local Hinche citizens who are disadvantaged and disabled.

The outreach event will encompass a dance exhibition, music, and sharing light refreshments with the less fortunate. Thank you for your support of our youth. With your help, we are instilling the love of simple acts of human kindness and goodwill.

The outreach event will encompass a dance exhibition, music and sharing light refreshments with the less fortunate. Thank you for your support of our youth. With your help, we are instilling the love of simple acts of human kindness and goodwill.

As we celebrate the Spirit of the Season please remember the children of Maison Fortune Orphanage. Your tax-deductible donation is a great way to honor a loved one this holiday season. The Foundation will notify your designated recipient of your honorarium.

Donate today in honor of a loved one!

Together with our dedicated team of 53 Haitian staff members, 177 residents, 222 day students, ten Board members and YOU, the Spirit of the Season is shining brightly on the campus of Maison Fortune Orphanage. Thank you!

Jwaye Nwel and Mesi Anpil to Seton Hall University’s Division Of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE)

It has been five years since our partners at Seton Hall University traveled to share time and Christian fellowship with our residents at Maison Fortune Orphanage. Civil unrest has unfortunately prevented these trips and visits.

In the early part of 2021, I reached out to the DOVE director, Michelle Peterson and we discussed ways to reconnect, and “Zanmi Chat” was born. Over the rest of the school year, Seton Hall students connected online via Google Hang-outs with our older resident boys and girls. They talk about everything – from their favorite foods and classes to how they spend their free time. It has been a wonderful way to stay connected and share cultures.

DOVE’s support of Maison Fortune Orphanage this school year has been incredible! We are grateful for DOVE’s help in funding new desks, benches, chairs, mattresses, paint, and dining tables. Tomorrow’s outreach celebration is completely funded by DOVE – including the purchase of the annual “Christmas Bull” which is a big treat for our residents. They consume this meat throughout the Christmas break, culminating on New Year’s day with soup joumou!

On behalf of the children and staff of Maison Fortune Orphanage, we are so thankful for our partners at Seton Hall University’s DOVE and send wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


Mardi Gras Casino Night Tickets.February 25, 2022

MFOF is raising the future leaders of Haiti with funds generated through our upcoming Casino Night! The Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation will be hosting a Casino Night fundraiser on Friday, February 25, 2022, at Limitless Events in Chesapeake, VA. Food, gaming, and fellowship in support of the 177 residents and 222 days students – please register today to help the children!

Please support MFOF’s Mardi Gras Casino Night with your ticket purchase! Tickets and details are available on our website!

Wishing you all the joys and spirits of the season –
Jwaye Nwél ak Bon Ane!

Babs Zuhowski,
Executive Director

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

Spirit of the Season Part 2

Spirit of the Season Part 2

Spirit of the Season Part 2

Spirit of the Season Part 2
Community outreach in Hinche is underway! MFO student ambassadors are spreading goodwill and the Spirit of the Season as they share time with the poor and handicapped people in their community. With the help of Chantel, the head of the girls’ campus, our teen girls passed out holiday cards and spread kindness and cheer to the less fortunate in Hinche this past weekend.

On December 24th, the children are excited to host and entertain poverty-stricken and disadvantaged local citizens on the boy’s campus. An evening of dancing, music and lots of Christmas cheer is planned! The goodwill endeavor embodies the meaning of Christmas and is instilling the value of human kindness for our children. We are so proud of our future leaders of Haiti – opening up their hearts to bring the Spirit of the Season. Please take a moment to see the clips from their recent outreach in the community.

Clip One Invitation Clip Two Outreach

 

Help the children this Holiday season with your Donation!

 


Mardi Gras Casino Night Tickets.February 25, 2022

MFOF is raising the future leaders of Haiti with funds generated through our upcoming Casino Night! The Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation will be hosting a Casino Night fundraiser on Friday, February 25, 2022, at Limitless Events in Chesapeake, VA. Food, gaming, and fellowship in support of the 177 residents and 222 days students – please register today to help the children!

Please support MFOF’s Mardi Gras Casino Night with your ticket purchase! Tickets and details are available on our website!

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

MFO Spirit of the Season Part 1

MFO Spirit of the Season Part 1

MFO Spirit of the Season Part 1

Spirit of the Season Part 1
As we look forward to holiday time with friends and family, please remember the children of Maison Fortune Orphanage. We are so blessed to have your continued support for the 177 resident children and additional 222-day students. The second half of 2021 has been a tumultuous time in Haiti – but through it all, our children have remained safe, continued their studies, and been nurtured by our all-Haitian staff thanks to you!

During the month of December, our students will take part in community outreach in Hinche with the help of founder Jean Louis. They will embody the “Spirit of the Season.” The MFO student ambassadors will spread goodwill over the Christmas season by sharing time with the poor in their local community. Through simple acts of kindness and cheer, they will show the true reason for the season: peace, joy, and love. We are indeed very proud of our children for they truly are the future of Haiti!

Help the children this holiday season with your donation!

Update: New calm on the crisis in Haiti

The gas shortages spurred by gang control which afflicted the country of Haiti in October and November are slowly subsiding. However, the rippling effects are still present. Staple prices for food remain inflated, but luckily, stock is now available in Hinche. In late October, staff traveled to Cap Haitian in order to get food stock, as none was available locally at a reasonable price.

At the end of November, a new ministerial cabinet has taken charge of assisting the interim Prime Minister with day-to-day governance. They have their work cut out for them and restoring order in the wake of the gang control and violence is a high priority.

Jean Louis reports “things are slowly returning to normal” in Hinche.

Mardi Gras Casino Night
Get tickets NOW!

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

Alert! Gang’s Grip Hold Spreads in Haiti

Alert! Gang’s Grip Hold Spreads in Haiti

Alert! Gang’s Grip Hold Spreads in Haiti

How much more devastation can Haitians withstand? The effects of the gripping gang control in Port Au Prince are now spreading everywhere in Haiti…even to the town of Hinche. Food shortages, scarcity, and astronomically high prices for gas and staple food stock are out of reach for the average Haitian.

Protesters across Haiti took to the streets on Monday, unified and calling for change. The national protests are on hiatus this weekend but will resume on Monday. Schools and businesses will remain closed. The children of Maison Fortuné Orphanage are remaining on campus for their safety. Jean Louis, founder of Maison Fortuné Orphanage described scenes of peaceful demonstrations; yet there was an undercurrent of “bad elements” in the crowds – looters and opportunists. He said, “it is scary.” The little pop-up roadside shops seen all around Haiti are the primary victims. These bad elements have been seen with long sticks and ropes, whipping at these shop keepers – and then stealing their stock. The photo to the right is from Hinche – only a few blocks from the orphanage, protestors set fire to the police hut.

The cost of food throughout Haiti has doubled – and stores simply do not have items on their shelves. Gas prices have climbed from $2 per liter to $25-$50 -if you can even find it! Maison Fortuné Orphanage purchases bulk food at the beginning of every month at the cost of $6,500. We are projecting costs over $13,000 for the same items, but staff must travel further to obtain them. Jean Louis will hire a driver and medium-sized truck to go to Cap-Haitien next Wednesday or Thursday to buy bulk foods. The cost for the truck services will likely be over $2,000 due to the gas shortages.

The children need your help now! Please donate and help us offset the $15,000 costs for getting food to the children this month. We hope this is only a temporary problem. These are dire and uncertain times for Haiti. Your help is most appreciated!

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

Mardi Gras Casino Night Fundraising Event

Mardi Gras Casino Night Fundraising Event

Mardi Gras Casino Night Fundraising Event

 

Event Details

Here’s the Deal: Join the Maison Fortune Orphanage Foundation as we bring you a wide variety of casino games, fun and frivolity mixed in with a live auction, paddle raise, and rum – all supporting the future leaders of Haiti!

Single tickets $55 ~ Couples $100

Ticket prices include start-up funny-money for gaming, tantalizing tapas, open bar (wine and beer included), and two-stage prize coupons.

Date: Fri, February 25, 2022

Time: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM EST

Location: Limitless Events,625 Independence Parkway Chesapeake, VA 23320

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

Happy Birthday 2 You Jean Louis

Happy Birthday 2 You Jean Louis

Happy Birthday 2 You Jean Louis

In honor of Jean Louis’ vision which started 21 years ago – to help the children of Haiti through education and a safe place to live and grow, we are asking for an honorary donation. Jean Louis will be turning 55! We are hoping to raise $4,290 – the funds spent this year for school start-up costs. Please consider a gift of $55 today to honor Jean Louis’ 55th birthday AND to impact our students at Maison Fortuné Orphanage.

Every year we must plan for back-to-school start-up costs, including textbooks, school supplies, uniforms and shoes. Our current orphanage enrollment is 177 boys and girls – that’s 177 new shoes and uniforms!

“Pappy Lele” – as he is affectionately referred to by our resident girls, has endeared himself to the entire Hinche, Haiti community. He is a father, mentor, and community leader. After embarking on two separate Ambassador trips to the earthquake ravaged “Big South” last month, I learned of Jean Louis’ annual goodwill within the local Hinche community at Christmas time. He knows the community very well – and knows those who are struggling due to poverty, sickness and even mental health issues. In the weeks leading to Christmas, Jean Louis takes it upon himself to share basic necessities with those in Hinche who are struggling. He embodies the true spirit of the season (more on this in a later e-newsletter) and love for his fellow man. While his impact has been the greatest on the youth in his community, he himself is no stranger to the perils of life in Haiti. As the son of a destitute farmer, Jean Louis was able to change his path because of education.

Please consider a $55 donation today in honor of Jean Louis!

Thank you for your continued support in helping us raise the future leaders of Haiti! Please make your gift today!

Happy 55th Birthday Jean Louis! You are an inspiration to us all!

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

School Begins Again!

School Begins Again!

School Begins Again!

After a longer than expected summer recess, schools have resumed in Haiti. The boy’s campus is again bustling with activity as 222 day students arrive on campus to join with the resident students to begin their school day. From mathematics to Spanish and French, our eager students are learning in a safe environment with caring teachers and staff because of your continued support. Our high school students attend high school off campus at either St. Marten, St. Andrew or the Lycee.

The annual start-up costs for our students include funding for new uniforms and all the necessary undergarments/uniform shoes, new textbooks, and classroom supplies for our teachers. We thankfully had items leftover from our 2020 container shipment to augment the supply costs. However, new textbooks and uniforms are a necessity every year. Funding for the 2021 school start-up fees are $4,290.

Every day, our campus staff on both the boy’s campus and the girl’s campus are hard at work to provide overall care for our residents. From clean uniforms to nutritious meals – the children of Maison Fortuné Orphanage are well cared for – so they can learn and grow in a safe environment. Our eager-to-learn students are grateful for your continued support!

In honor of Jean Louis’ birthday next week, we are asking for donations to match his age and cover our school start-up expenses. Jean Louis will be turning 55! We need 78 supporters to help us reach this goal…so please consider a gift of $55 today to honor Jean Louis’ birthday AND to impact our students at Maison Fortuné Orphanage!

Thank you for your continued support! With your help, the children of Maison Fortune Orphanage will become future leaders of Haiti. Please make your gift today!

Racing Ball Heat 1 Prize – “Virginia Wine Time”
sample of vines from across the Old Dominion and accompanying tasting for two valued at $250

Glow Ball Heat 2 Prize – “Yo-Ho-Ho + bottles of Rum”
Avast me hearties and taste this Caribbean rum assortment. And more booty— a gift certificate to Waterman’s, total value $250

In the event a child wins either of these heats alternate baskets for the under 21 crowds:

Youth Racing Ball Heat 1 – “Movie Night”
Tickets for two to cinema café and accompanying goodies for another night of stay-at-home Redbox movie watching!

Youth Glow Ball Heat 2 – “Fidget Factory”
The ultimate basket of smiles to dash away “I’m Bored” from STEM fun to Sensory crafting – whoo hoo!

Adults 21 and over ~ $25
Youth under 21 ~ $10

Be on the ball and register in advance for your
757 Ball race admission tickets HERE!

Your continued support of our children is deeply appreciated!

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

One day left to register for the 757 Ball Race!

One day left to register for the 757 Ball Race!

Only one day left to register!
You do not need to be present to WIN.

757 Ball Race – Saturday, September 18, 2021
5-8 pm, River Walk Community Pool
701 River Walk Parkway ~ Chesapeake, VA 23320

You do not need to be present to win – but you do need to purchase a ticket! How can you help the children? Register HERE to sponsor a racing ball or two or three! A family-friendly event, we encourage guests of all ages to have a ball with us! The first balls to cross the finish line in each heat will be awarded prizes!

Racing Ball Heat 1 Prize – “Virginia Wine Time”
sample of vines from across the Old Dominion and accompanying tasting for two valued at $250

Glow Ball Heat 2 Prize – “Yo-Ho-Ho + bottles of Rum”
Avast me hearties and taste this Caribbean rum assortment. And more booty— a gift certificate to Waterman’s, total value $250

In the event a child wins either of these heats alternate baskets for the under 21 crowds:

Youth Racing Ball Heat 1 – “Movie Night”
Tickets for two to cinema café and accompanying goodies for another night of stay-at-home Redbox movie watching!

Youth Glow Ball Heat 2 – “Fidget Factory”
The ultimate basket of smiles to dash away “I’m Bored” from STEM fun to Sensory crafting – whoo hoo!

Adults 21 and over ~ $25

Youth under 21 ~ $10

Register your racing ball in advance
757 Ball race admission tickets HERE!

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org

 


 

6 days left…Be on the ball!

6 days left…Be on the ball!

6 days left…Be on the ball!

​Balls will be floating on Saturday to help the children of MFO!

757 Ball Race – Saturday, September 18, 2021

5-8 pm, River Walk Community Pool
701 River Walk Parkway ~ Chesapeake, VA 23320

MFOF is hosting our second annual 757 Ball Race! You do not need to be present to win – but you do need to purchase a ticket! With only SIX days left to buy tickets online, please help the children HERE with your racing ball registration! A family-friendly event, we encourage guests of all ages to have a ball with us! The cook-out fare to include bbq, fixings, hotdogs, assorted beverages, one drink coupon for adults and a colored racing ball will be included with the admission price. The event will be held rain or shine. The first balls to cross the finish line in each heat will be awarded prizes!

MFOF is hosting our 2nd Annual 757 Ball Race!  You do not need to be present to win – but you do need to purchase a ticket! Only
SIX days left to buy tickets online,

please help the children HERE with your racing ball registration! A family-friendly event, we encourage guests of all ages to have a ball with us! The cook-out fare to include bbq, fixings, hotdogs, assorted beverages, one drink coupon for adults and a colored racing ball will be included with the admission price. The event will be held rain or shine. The first balls to cross the finish line in each heat will be awarded prizes!

Racing Ball Heat 1 Prize – “Virginia Wine Time”
sample of vines from across the Old Dominion and accompanying tasting for two valued at $250

Glow Ball Heat 2 Prize – “Yo-Ho-Ho + bottles of Rum”
Avast me hearties and taste this Caribbean rum assortment. And more booty— a gift certificate to Waterman’s, total value $250

In the event a child wins either of these heats alternate baskets for the under 21 crowds:

Youth Racing Ball Heat 1 – “Movie Night”
Tickets for two to cinema café and accompanying goodies for another night of stay-at-home Redbox movie watching!

Youth Glow Ball Heat 2 – “Fidget Factory”
The ultimate basket of smiles to dash away “I’m Bored” from STEM fun to Sensory crafting – whoo hoo!

Adults 21 and over ~ $25
Youth under 21 ~ $10

Be on the ball and register in advance for your
757 Ball race admission tickets HERE!

Your continued support of our children is deeply appreciated!

Make A Donation

Sponsor a Child or Young Adult

Volunteer

MAISON FORTUNÉ

ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3092, Chesapeake, VA 23327-3092

Email: Helpthechildren@mfofoundation.org