On April 2, 2011, the Chester, Deep River and Essex Rotary Clubs held a H-2-O “Health*Hope*Opportunity” fundraiser to benefit the proposed Deschapelles library and a water well project in Niger, Africa. The Rotary, along with the local Haitian community in Deep River, The Whistle Stop Café, and the Interact Club at Valley Regional High School featured authentic cuisine and Haitian music to raise funds in an atmosphere of cultural diversity and sharing. Colorful baskets made in Haiti from discarded plastics and filled by area merchants with goods and merchandise were sold at the fundraiser. Funds raised to benefit the Deschapelles library will be used to purchase books.

Sister Cities Essex Haiti thanks the Rotary, all those who attended or made donations, and the following sponsors and merchants that made the event such a success. They have all helped to provide Health, Hope and Opportunity to our friends in Haiti and Niger.
Sponsors: AJ Shea; The Blicharz and Reamer Families; BrandTech Scientific; The Clark Group; Clyde Hartson; Gerald Tarre; Jeff Mehler; Middlecove Marina; Middlesex County Community Foundation; Middlesex Primary Care; The Reynolds Family; The Safety Zone; Tower Labs; Essex Meadows; First Congregational Church of Deep River; Whistle Stop Café
Merchants: Ashleigh’s Garden; The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook; De Paula Jewelers; Essence Spa; Essex Books; Essex Coffee and Tea; Fred DeGrooth – Tennis Pro; Fromage; Olive Oyl’s; Peacock and Beale; Riggios; Saybrook Seafood; Carol and Skip Young; Silkworm of Essex