The Vassar Haiti Project’s 10th annual Art & Soul Gala raises funds for the staffing, supplies, and operation of a medical clinic in Haiti for a full year. The clinic annually provides medical care to thousands of families from 45 rural villages. This year, we are thrilled to honor the work of Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis and the Rotarians of the Hudson Valley at the event. 

Please join us over Zoom to celebrate the progress being made and take a stand to improve healthcare accessibility in rural Haiti. 

To register, visit: thehaitiproject.org/events/art-and-soul-gala-2022. The event link will be sent to the email you indicate on the registration form.

The annual gala, supported by local physicians and businesses from the Hudson Valley, funds a medical clinic tucked away in the remote mountains of northwest Haiti. The clinic serves patients from over 45 villages, many of whom walk over four hours to receive medical care. “We have an exciting program scheduled for the Art & Soul Gala this year,” said VHP Co-founder Lila Meade. “We’ll hear from our honorees who have done profound work in forwarding the immediate and long-term needs of Haiti, and we’ll enjoy performances by acclaimed musicians.” The event is a collaboration with VHP’s Medical Advisory Board, composed of physicians and community members from the Hudson Valley. This group oversees the ongoing programs and operations of the clinic.

VHP Co-President Alice (Yiqing) Fan says that Art & Soul is one of the most meaningful events the organization plans. “It is a night of celebration, remembrance, and looking forward. The funds raised support our clinic in Fiervil, Haiti, for a whole year. We all look forward to this event and the new possibilities we will create!”

Thanks to our sponsors and a Rotary Global Grant, in October VHP began construction of a solar-powered diagnostic lab in Haiti. The lab will bring electricity to the clinic, enabling the installation of lights, refrigeration, and diagnostic technologies, such as ultrasounds. This will sustainably improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Dr. David Cho, the chair of the Medical Advisory Board, says, “This has been a dream realized to take the clinic to the next level; harnessing the power of the sun to create a place of healing, comfort, and hope. I am forever thankful to all that have supported us to make this happen.” This year’s Art & Soul will enable us and our Haitian partners to continue providing and improving healthcare access in rural northwestern Haiti.

Event Honorees:

Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis is a Haitian film score composer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and music producer. His music career includes three Grammy Awards and 16+ nominations, a publishing catalog of 300+ titles, and multi-platinum music records with 300+ million single and album copies sold. The self-taught musician has worked with musical greats including Whitney Houston, Rihanna, Shakira, Santana, Beyonce, Mick Jagger, John Legend, Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber. Jerry founded the NYC Platinum Sound recording studio, and currently serves as a Governor of the NY Chapter of the Recording Academy (the Grammy’s), and co-chairs its Producers & Engineers Wing. He is a Goodwill Ambassador supporting the Haitian people in education, health, sustainable business, and community development. Jerry serves on the board of VHP.

Rotary Clubs of the Hudson Valley have partnered with VHP since 2010 to bring clean water, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities to over 45 villages in northwestern Haiti. Thanks to the Rotarians’ passion, guidance, and commitment, they continually show us that we can achieve what once seemed impossible. The Vassar Haiti Project students are inspired by Rotary members and their partnership and dedication to being agents of positive change in the world.