Want to Get Involved? Join Us at Our April Fundraising Gala!  

In December 2022, the Wisconsin School in Haiti first opened its doors. You may be wondering, why is there a school named after Wisconsin in Haiti? Well, believe it or not, it’s directly connected to the Fearing’s team and the work of our founders, Doug and Lois Fearing, have done since 2013. 

Our History with Schools for Haiti 

In 2010 and 2011, Fearing’s Audio Video Security founders, Doug and Lois Fearing, visited Haiti for two mission trips. In 2013, they were introduced to philanthropist Gil Bailie, a co-founder of Schools for Haiti. Inspired by the organization’s impact, Fearing’s formed the Wisconsin Committee.  This committee is made up of committed individuals with a heart for serving the poor, and they began hosting an annual fundraising gala in 2014. Last year’s gala, attended by over 170 guests, raised a remarkable $183,000 for Schools for Haiti.  By raising money for the non-profit Schools for Haiti over the past ten years, the Wisconsin Committee and our audio video company have been able to provide education, food, and clothing to Haitian students in need.

SEE ALSO: Fearing’s Partnership with the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center

 

Schools for Haiti’s Mission

Haiti is a nation grappling with extreme poverty. With an average annual income barely surpassing US $1,420 and thirty percent of the population surviving on $2.15 a day, it is ranked as the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. In 2010, Haiti was devastated by an earthquake, and today, there are 400,000 children living in Haiti without parents. Tragically, one in five Haitian children will die before the age of six. 

That is why Schools for Haiti’s mission is not only to provide education, but also a daily meal and school attire for students. Schools for Haiti also ensure stable incomes for its teachers and staff. It currently operates ten schools, including the new Wisconsin School (the largest of all ten). Despite unrest in Haiti, the schools have continued to operate, providing much-needed stability for students.

Named in honor of the Wisconsin Committee’s dedication, the Wisconsin School officially commenced operations in Haiti in December 2022. The Wisconsin School houses Schools for Haiti’s inaugural computer lab and is envisioned as the future epicenter of a comprehensive vision center, community hub, performing arts venue, and trade school.  

Join Us at Our April Fundraising Gala 

As 2024 marks a decade of work through the Wisconsin Committee, we’re celebrating the milestone with a special Schools for Haiti fundraising gala on April 27th, hosted at the Madison Marriott West. Schools for Haiti co-founders Daniel Michel and Gil Bailie will attend as keynote speakers at the event. The gala will also feature live blues and jazz music by Leotha Stanley and Friends. 

To participate in this celebration, RSVP here. We look forward to seeing you!