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FFTP’s 27th Annual Celebration of Hope to Build Homes, Brighter Futures in Haiti
Orlando Brunch Will Raise Funds for Hurricane-Resistant Homes
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2026) – When rain falls on Chrislène’s home in Patasson, Haiti, water pours through holes in the roof and flows across the floor, forcing her family to seek shelter elsewhere. For another mother in the same community, Wilène, the fear of getting soaked inside her own home is now a memory, thanks to supporters of Food For The Poor (FFTP).
The contrast between the two families is at the heart of the 27th Annual Celebration of Hope, chaired by longtime Food For The Poor (FFTP) Board Member Dr. Lynne Nasrallah. Nasrallah returned to northern Haiti in October after eight years away, reconnecting with families whose lives have been changed through the generosity of Celebration of Hope supporters.
“It was just jubilation to be in Haiti again,” Nasrallah said, recalling how residents welcomed her to Patasson with singing, dancing and music. Touched by the outpouring of love from the families who had waited to greet her, she insisted on stepping into the crowd to walk alongside them.
The Celebration of Hope brunch will take place Saturday, Nov. 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at Historic Dubsdread in Orlando. Under the theme “Foundations of Hope,” the event will raise funds to build 25 hurricane-resistant homes, install solar power at a local school and community center, and provide 120 sets of desks and chairs for schoolchildren in Patasson. The project is expected to benefit 264 residents, including 120 children.
Chrislène, 32, lives with her children, Jessica, 14, Jean Frandley, 4, and infant Valencia, in a deteriorating home roofed with previously used corrugated metal sheets. Holes left by old nails allow rainwater inside, and the family sometimes must spend rainy nights in other people’s homes.
“Whenever it rains, it is as if a river flows right through the house,” Chrislène said. “A large stream passes through it, which means we cannot stay inside. The house is really, really in bad condition.”
For Wilène, who received a new home in Patasson in 2025, the difference is profound. “Where I used to get wet in the rain, now I no longer do and neither do my children,” she said. Her home has a kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms and a living room. A solar light has eliminated the need to buy fuel for lamps.
“I used to ask God to change my life, to change my situation with my children and He gave me a house,” Wilène said.
Nasrallah toured completed FFTP homes, where families proudly showed her their new living spaces, and visited makeshift metal shelters where others still face intense heat and leaking roofs. In one of those homes, she held Chrislène’s infant daughter, Valencia.
“Valencia’s hope for the future is to live in a real home, go to school, find a career and live a happy and productive life,” Nasrallah said, adding these are the same hopes parents have for their children everywhere.
A visit to Patasson’s school also brought the campaign’s educational needs into focus. Nasrallah said the principal told her the school lacked tables, chairs and lighting. That firsthand observation helped shape this year’s plans to provide 120 sets of desks and chairs and solar power for the school and community center. The planned homes will provide secure shelter, water and sanitation facilities, and essential furnishings.
The 2026 initiative builds on progress already taking shape in Patasson. Funds raised through the 2024 gala supported construction of 25 homes and a community center. Over the event’s history, Celebration of Hope supporters have helped build more than 1,000 homes in Haiti, while also supporting clean water, education and other essential needs.
Last year’s 26th Annual Celebration of Hope exceeded its fundraising goal of 30 homes for families in Bondeau, Haiti. Donors contributed enough to fund nearly 32 homes.
FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine said the continued generosity of Celebration of Hope supporters demonstrates how sustained partnerships can help communities build a more secure future.
“Year after year, the generosity of Celebration of Hope supporters has changed lives in Haiti, giving families the security of a safe home and the opportunity to build a better future,” Raine said. “What makes this year’s initiative especially meaningful is that we’re building on the progress already underway in Patasson. By investing in homes, education and reliable electricity, we’re helping strengthen an entire community and creating opportunities that will benefit families for generations to come.”
The 2026 Celebration of Hope Committee includes Event Chair Dr. Lynne Nasrallah and committee members Linda Bonnewitz; Bruny and Paula Compas; George and Kim del Campo; Mike and Dr. Desirae Friend; Cynthia Hawkins; Nicole Nasrallah; George and Joanne Olson; Lisa Padilla Ortiz; Nancy Padilla; Dwight and Lisa Saathoff; Tom and Jean Wilkes; and Jean and Donna Wilson.
“You and I have the power to be today’s miracle in Patasson,” Nasrallah said. “Miracles always begin with one child, one family, one story, one prayer.”
Supporters who cannot attend the brunch can still help bring hope to families in Patasson through a donation. To learn more, RSVP or donate, visit foodforthepoor.org/celebration.
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
