Salinas veterans grill for Haiti

Money raised at BBQ to benefit quake victims through Salvation Army

BY KIMBER SOLANA • ksolana@thecalifornian.com • January 25, 2010

Salinas-area military veterans, along with their friends and families, enjoyed tri-tip sandwiches and music as they did their part to help the people of Haiti Sunday afternoon.

American Legion posts on the Central Coast hosted a barbecue fundraiser in the parking lot of Monterey County Harley-Davidson in Salinas in hopes of raising about $5,000.

The funds, along with donations and raffle ticket sales, will be given to the Salvation Army's relief efforts to improve the plight of those rocked by the 7.0-magnitude quake that leveled much of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital.

"We hope people will keep their hearts and wallets open," said event volunteer Tanya Russell.

Organizer Charlie McLane of the legion's Post 589 said the idea came together in about nine days when someone suggested the fundraiser, which ran from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

By 1:30 p.m., about 40 people gathered at the parking lot enjoying their sandwiches as people continued to stream in or just came to pick up their pre-ordered meals. The sandwiches cost $10.

Long Distance Flyers, a 1960s salute band, provided the music; belly dancers added to the entertainment.

Salinas resident Gwen Foote, 66, summed up why she and others were at the event.

"It was a way I could work out my feelings after seeing what's happening [in Haiti] on television and newspapers," she said. "It was a way for me to help."

Here are other Haiti relief fundraisers in the area:
• Rotary Club of Salinas is accepting checks made out to the Salinas Rotary Charitable Fund, P.O. Box 676, Salinas, CA 93902-0676. Information: Rotary Club of Salinas President Sharon Gish, 831-594-0148.

• It's Cactus in the Toro Village Shopping Center off Highway 68 is offering the proceeds from the sales of iron sculptures to relief efforts. Information: visit It's Cactus at the shopping center or the store's Web site, itscactus.com.

• Baja Cantina in Carmel Valley is offering free items from a special menu to diners who donate money at the restaurant to the Red Cross Haiti relief efforts.

• Catholic churches in Monterey County will ask for extra collections during Sunday services.

• The Salvation Army of Monterey County and the local American Red Cross chapter are asking those who want to help to give money through their national sites. Online: visit www.arcmontereybay.org or www.tsamonterey.org.

• The Sharks Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the San Jose Sharks, will collect donations for relief efforts on Thursday during its home game against the Chicago Blackhawks. Proceeds benefit UNICEF. Online: visit unicef.org or thesharksfoundation.org.

• U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, D-Carmel, has highlighted other donation options on his Web site at www.farr.house.gov.