Haiti Quake Fundraiser in Los Angeles

Los Angeles - About $14,000 has been raised for Haiti earthquake victims by the owner of a Haitian restaurant in Echo Park, who said tonight he has been unable to contact anyone in his ravaged homeland since the earthquake.

"Haiti is at a point where they really need great help," TiGeorges LaGuerre told City News Service. "I don't think Haiti is prepared to deal with disaster of this magnitude. They are really crying out for help."

About 300 people came to TiGeorges' Chicken to donate money and share their concerns about the aftermath of the magnitude-7 quake that hook the Caribbean island nation at 4:53 p.m. Haiti time on Tuesday.

"We raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $14,300," LaGuerre said, speaking from his restaurant tonight. "We are going to have another fundraiser on Saturday" at 2 p.m.

The 56-year-old LaGuerre moved to the United States 39 years ago. He is from Por-de-Paix, about six hours from the densely populated capital of Port-au-Prince. The quake's epicenter was 10 to 15 miles southwest of the capital city, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Countless buildings lie in ruins in the densely populated capital city. Tens of thousands of people are feared dead.

LaGuerre said the money raised at TiGeorges' Chicken will go to Yele Haiti, a foundation founded by musician and rap artist Wyclef Jean in 2005.

"The funds will go directly to the people who need it right now," LaGuerre said.

More info:

TiGeorges' Chicken
tigeorgeschicken.com

309 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 944-1515