Oxnard College students raised funds for Haiti through a night of dancing, singing and martial arts with Give Love to Haiti.
The event at the Oxnard College Student Center consisted of an array of genres with Samoan culture dancing, singing, magic works and rap.
“America Samoa had a tsunami once and many people came to help us in a time of need,” said Fia Liaina, a 21-year-old criminal justice major. “It feels good to come together and lend a hand as a team.”
Liaina along with Aime Auvae, Vanessa Sevi and Leilani Howard are part of “A” Show Productions, and their Samoan Dancing team came together to put on a vivid performance full of graceful hand movements and impressive footwork.
As the night continued to evolve, so did the entertainment. Following a motivational rap duo was the “Shen Chu Do Martial Arts Club” with a Kapoera exhibition.
“This is for an excellent cause and its fulfilling to do something positive for people that aren’t from your own community,” said Israel Vasquez, a 21-year-old music major.
On Jan. 12, Haiti was severely hit by a devastating earthquake of a 7.0 magnitude 25 kilometers west of Port-au-Prince. According to authorities, there were over 150,000 confirmed deaths and over 1.5 million Haitians affected by this catastrophe.
Juan Huerta, 37, returned to school seeking a different profession. At Oxnard College, he was inspired to organize the “Give Love To Haiti” collaboration.
As a TV/Film Production major, Juan Huerta then included the filming of the experience by OCTV.
“As a full-time student, it was difficult to mold, but in the end it all came together,” Huerta said. “Oxnard College has given me so many opportunities and now it feels heart-warming to give back as a student, especially to a country in crisis.”
The small crowd that did attend the charitable function were pleased with the night’s performances.
“I am glad there are students willing to be selfless in such a time,” said Oscar Machuca, a 26-year-old anthropology major. “Countries around the world suffer greatly from natural disasters and every bit of help is needed.”
All funds and proceeds raised for the victims of Haiti were donated to the Red Cross.
