MAYOR BARAKA AND NEWARK LEADERS ANNOUNCE

RELIEF EFFORTS TO AID VICTIMS OF HURRICANE MARIA

American Red Cross NJ Region and United Airlines join effort to raise $100K for Americans in Puerto Rico;

Mayor Baraka, federal legislators, Municipal Council Members and broad coalition of political, civic, religious

and business leaders discussed upcoming events and activities by Newarkers to help hurricane victims

Newark, NJ—September 25, 2017—Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Newark Municipal Council Members Luis Quintana, Anibal Ramos, Jr., Carlos Gonzalez, State Senator Teresa Ruiz, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, Newark Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Cerf, and American Red Cross New Jersey Region Regional CEO Ana Montero, in partnership with the American Red Cross, today announced the formation of a broad coalition to aid the victims of Hurricane Maria and discussed upcoming relief events on Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8, to aid relief efforts at a City Hall press conference.

“Nature has terribly impacted the lives and homes of millions of American citizens and those of other nations, many of whom have direct personal links to the people of Newark. As a caring community with deep ties to this region, the people of Newark are uniting to bring hope, relief, strength, and love to those who are directly affected,” Mayor Baraka said.

The City of Newark is supporting the Hurricane Maria Relief Effort Benefit concert and donation drive taking place on Saturday, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 870 Mount Prospect Avenue, in Newark’s North Ward.

Necessary supplies will be collected for donation at the event. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will also be accepted at additional locations. For more information, contact Ramon Rodriguez, at (973) 991-4508.

On Sunday, October 8, a fundraiser will be held in partnership with the American Red Cross to raise money directed to victims of Hurricane Maria/Puerto Rico. The fundraiser will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Flamboyan Manor at 147 Verona Avenue in the city’s North Ward. The goal is to raise $100,000 to help with the relief efforts. Checks should be payable to American Red Cross/Hurricane Maria/Puerto Rico. 

In addition, the Newark Public Schools are taking donated clothing at their schools.

With all electrical power out in Puerto Rico, more than 3.5 million Americans are lacking without basic needs, and that condition may continue for months. This is a population larger than the states of Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska. At least 13 dead are reported in Puerto Rico, which is also running short on critical medical supplies.

In addition to Mayor Baraka, the growing coalition includes U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, Congressman Alberto Sires, the Newark Municipal Council; Senator Ruiz; County Executive DiVincenzo; Sheriff Fontoura; Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles; Deputy Mayor of International Relations and Diaspora Affairs Ugo Nwaokoro; Superintendent Cerf; United Airlines; Pastor Pablo Pizarro – Lighthouse Assembly of God;  Pastor Carmelo Roman; Temple Rock of My Salvation; Rutgers-University Newark; PSE&G; RWJBarnabas Health: Catholic Charities; United Way of Essex and West Hudson; TEMPO Network; Aspira; North Ward Center; Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce of Essex County; Hispanic Law Enforcement Society of Essex County; Hispanic Firefighters Association of Newark; and Roberto Clemente Little League.