Music Society patrons donate to Haitian relief fund

FALLBROOK – The 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti has impacted many lives, including those of Redlands Symphony conductor Jon Robertson and his wife, Florence. Robertson is the Conductor for the Redlands Symphony, which has performed regularly at classical music concerts presented by Fallbrook Music Society.

Over the past ten years, a strong bond has been forged between conductor Robertson and patrons of Fallbrook Music Society’s concerts, so it’s no surprise that several patrons have generously donated to his well-established Haiti relief foundation, which brings aid to this devastated, desperate nation.

“This is going to take a massive effort from around the world,” he said, as he gratefully accepted the donations from Fallbrook Music Society’s President, Brenda Montiel. “The difference between the situation in Haiti and such a disaster in the United States is that there is no disaster response infrastructure in Haiti. So these kinds of situations are just beyond our understanding.”

The Robertson’s are no strangers to Haiti - Florence is a native, and the Robertsons have a home in the mountains of Haiti, where Mrs. Robinson was at the time the quake hit (she was able to return home last week). The Robertsons are both co-founders of Foundation Hope For Haiti, a 501 (c) (3) American organization established in 2000, whose main purpose is to raise funds to support orphanages, health organizations and varied projects within Haitian communities.

Contributions to assist Jon and Florence Robertson’s foundation can be made payable to Foundation Hope for Haiti, Inc., P. O. Box 212673, Royal Palm Beach, Fla. 33421.