GRIFFITH | While the plight of earthquake victims in Haiti may have been moved off the front page by other crises, orphanage founder Michael Fedele remains thankful for the outpouring of generosity from the Northwest Indiana community.

Thanks to the initiative of Tina Cantu, Life For The World held what organizers hope will become an annual Feed Haiti Event was held at American Legion Post 66 in Griffith.

Donations from Target and Meijer stores helped purchase food for the event, Post 66 generously donated the use of the hall and local businesses donated gift certificates for a drawing. The American Legion Hall was donated for the event.

"It is the fundraisers and donations that have helped us to be able to provide for Maranatha (orphanage) and the Haitian people," said Fedele.

The event included something for all ages. Live entertainment was provided by the band Gather and four solo singers, including one contestant from last year’s Latino Idol Contest, Kristy Burciaga. Face painting and games were available for children to enjoy while adults shopped at vendor booths while enjoying the food and music.

Exceeding her goal, Cantu raised more than $1,200 to go directly to Life For The World to purchase food for Maranatha. The orphanage and school spends more than $3,000 monthly feeding the children.

Life For The World is a not-for-profit group founded by Hammond resident Michael Fedele. It funds the Maranatha Orphanage and school, home to more than 150 children and 20 Haitian workers, and provides aid to surrounding Haitian villages.

"Our local community has not forgotten about the severe devastation and poverty in Haiti. It was rewarding to see members of the community show how much they care by participating in the Feed Haiti Event as volunteers, vendors and guests," said Julia Fedele.