Hampton Art Lovers and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra join forces to support “Operation Helping Hands": Bahamas Hurricane Relief

The South Florida Symphony Orchestra and Hampton Art Lovers at the Historic Ward Rooming House are leading an effort called Culture Cares - South Florida Humanities at Work for Bahamas Hurricane Relief, Wednesday, September 18th, from 6-8pm. The event will raise monies for Operation Helping Hands, a collaborative effort of United Way of Miami-Dade and the Miami Herald, which supports the response, relief and recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and surrounding areas impacted by this powerful storm.

Jacqueline Lorber, President and CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra stated: ”While South Floridians were spared the direct hit of Dorian, our neighbors in the Bahamas were not. As Floridians we truly know the devastating impact of hurricanes and it is our duty as an arts-focused organization in the community to join in the humanitarian effort for the people of the Bahamas.”

Xavier Cortada, Artist and Chairman of Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council: "At moments like this, it is our humanity that is expressed through art that comes in and heals and convenes and helps communities understand one another...I believe in the power of art to help us understand and connect with one another." 

Christopher Norwood, co-Founder of Hampton Art Lovers: "The word "humanities” comes from the Latin word "humanus" meaning human and cultured. As arts-focused organizations, we know the best art comes from a place where humanity is elevated. Culture Cares - South Florida Humanities at Work for Bahamas Hurricane Relief is our call to action, inspired by the Xavier Cortada's (Chairman of the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council) recent keynote remarks during Artslaunch. We hope to encourage the patrons of the arts to meaningfully contribute towards humanitarian efforts for the people of the Bahamas in their time of extreme need.”

The Historic Ward Rooming House in Overtown is a perfect location for this fundraising event. Shadrach Ward, a Bahamian American Architect from Key West, built this rooming house in the1900s. Providing shelter for Bahamians that immigrated to Miami to build the railroads that weaved our community together.

The event will feature Hampton Art Lovers Presents "The Art of the Caged Bird Singing": The Personal Art Collection of Maya Angelou. With a particular focus on her poem "The Human Family". Performances by members of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra will be featured throughout the event.

All proceeds will be donated to Operation Helping Hands. A donation is required for entry to the event. Food and drinks will be donated for our patrons. You can RSVP at hamptonartlovers.eventbrite.com.

Carlos Molina, Chief Financial Officer of the United Way of Miami Dade will bring us greetings, and his staff will be facilitating donations live. If you cannot attend please go to unitedwaymiami.org/ohh to make a donation or call 305-643-2501 or 2-1-1. You can send a check payable to Operation Helping Hands, c/o United Way of Miami-Dade, P.O. Box #459007, Miami, Florida 33245-9007

One hundred percent of funds raised through Operation Helping Hands will go directly to help the people affected by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and other affected areas. United Way of Miami-Dade will work with United Ways and other nonprofits to support both immediate and long-term recovery needs.