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to dedicate those funds to scholarships for theHaitian students.”The Oprah Dream Vacation cruise is one ofthe final prizes.“All of the proceeds will go toward bringingthe Haitian students to America,” Danny says.Over the years, Danny has made manyfriends in Haiti and is amazed at the strengthof their character and the extent of their patience.He says that they are an inspiration tohim.Knowing the people and the culture ashe does, he was particularly disappointed towatch the news coverage of the earthquake andthe negative light in which the Haitian peoplewere being portrayed.“When I returned home, I was watchingnews footage and theyportrayed the disaster differentlyfrom how I hadwitnessed it,” Danny says.“They were speakingabout the Haitians lootingand they just kept harping on it. For themost part, people were very resilient and remainedcalm under such a dire circumstance.The things they were looting were things liketoothpaste to put under their nose to block outthe smell of the dead. Whereas, when you lookat Hurricane Katrina and you see people lootingthings like televisions just hours after thehurricane hit, well, that is a bit different.”Danny is impressed and inspired by thestrength of the people in this Caribbean nation.“If this had happened in an American city,perhaps the death toll would have been lowerbecause of better construction codes, for instance.Nonetheless these people deal with somuch. They have earthquakes, hurricanes, politicalstrife, and the recent cholera epidemic.It is so inspirational to me that they remain sostrong.”Haitians don’t sweat the small stuff.“The students who have been selected tostudy in the states are having some issues withtheir Visas and that’s preventing them fromtraveling right now. Their patience is such aninspiration to me. Every day when I get a textmessage from them, or when I speak to themon Facebook chat, or even when I talk to themover the phone, they are just waiting and beingso patient. I cannot imagine myself down therewaiting day in and day out to hear from theState Department about my Visa.”As their Visas get worked out and as Haiticontinues to pick up the pieces, Danny firmlybelieves that higher education is the key toHaiti’s recovery.“The happiest day for me will be when the studentsarrive – but also when they can eventuallyreturn home to Haiti and fill leadershiproles and help their country rebuild.” NDN“The happiest day for me will be when the students arrive -but also when they can eventually return home to Haiti and fillleadership roles and help their country rebuild.” ~ Danny YatesFor more information on efforts to help Haitiansthrough higher education visit:http://hincherelief.wordpress.comPersonalized Dental Carefor you and your familyDr. Rick J. Rubin, D.M.D.and family757.345.5500Dr. Brett C. Dunnill, D.D.S.and family• EMERGENCIES SEEN PROMPTLY •NEXT DOOR NEIGHBORSMARCH2011 21