Supporting the Bahamas
In 12 days the Belen Jesuit community raised $17,550 for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. From September 2-13 the Belen family rallied for this important cause. All money collected will go to Catholic Charities Miami, whose long-standing relationship in the region will enable direct access to people in need, along with other established charitable organizations addressing urgent needs on the islands.
“It never surprises me to see how our community reacts when others are in need,” said principal José E. Roca ‘84. “Hurricane Dorian hadn’t even left the Bahamas when students, teachers, parents, and alumni were reaching out to me to see what we could do to help. The fact that we collected as many items and money, as we did, is a testament to how the MAGIS is working at Belen.”
From September 1-3, Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas as a category 5. Its most disastrous effects were in the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama Island where the people have suffered catastrophic loss. The hurricane, which was originally projected to affect South Florida, maintained strength throughout the east coast of the United States. After Miami was spared, the Belen community jumped into action.
Capitalizing on a sold-out football game on September 6, a relief drive was coordinated with SeaHunter Boats. “We filled the truck with vital items such as mosquito netting, mosquito repellent, canned food, and first aid supplies, just to name a few,” said Teresita Gonzalez, Community Service and Outreach Coordinator. “Belen families were so supportive because they feel the Bahamian people are our neighbors and feel that sense of responsibility to be in solidarity with them, in a tangible way. Additionally, we wish to thank the Zumpano family for donating the truck to transport the items.”
The check will be presented to Peter Routsis-Arroyo, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, the week of September 23. He is currently in the Bahamas listening to the needs and planning their response.
“Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami has a long history of helping Archbishop Pinder and his people in the Bahamas after natural disasters,” said Routsis-Arroyo. “We are already providing assistance after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian and our visit this week to the affected islands will ensure that our assistance will go directly to those most impacted by the storm. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the Belen Jesuit community. The money raised will go towards helping those who need it the most.”
If you would look to contribute to the relief efforts spearheading by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami visit, https://www.ccadm.org.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: communications@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: communications@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba, by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the school's property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit is situated on a 34-acre site in western Dade County, just minutes away from downtown Miami.