I would like to welcome all of my friends, Singers, comedians, colleagues, sponsors, donors, and volunteers to our “First Annual Fund Raising Concert “. I want to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone for their support for our very first concert. This event could not have been a success without your presence, support and participation. Words are not enough to express my gratitude towards all of you, especially my lovely wife Sophia G. Sorel.
In addition, I would like to personally thank Mr. MaximeSylien who most of you probably know as “Artist Tien-Tien” who advised me and help organize this concert. I also want to thank the Honorable Mr. George Daniel for helping with the preparation and creation of our Organization’s 501(c) (3). OPDEB stands for “OrganisationProfesionelle Pour Le Development Educatif De Bainet”, which is a non-profit organization that was created just a little bit over just Six months ago. As previously mentioned, the success of this event could not have been possible without the support and guidance of our organization members: Jean M. Sorel President & Founder, Mrs. Sophia G. Sorel, Vice President and Executive Director, Mr. Pierre Thony Sorel, Executive Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Jean Antoine Bigot and Mr. Rockfeller Sorel who are active members. My wife Sophia, our Executive Director has helped tremendously in putting together this beautiful magazine. She has worked tirelessly, including many sleepless nights in order to make OPDEB’s first annual fundraising concert a great success.
I would like to also thank Ms. MarleineBatien, MSW, LCSW, and Executive Director of FanmAyisyen Nan Miami (FANM) who graciously accepted our invitation to be the keynote speaker for this evening. I also want to thank Miami-Dade County Commissioner and Chairman, Mr. Jean Monestime, who is one of our special guests tonight; Florida State Senate Elect for District 38, Mrs. Daphne Durant Campbell, and another special guest, MrsCharite Joseph.
Last but certainly not least, I want to thank our staff: Stekare A. Charles Event Coordinator, Marie SonineLongor, Assistant, Gyna Alexis, Assistant, Linda Sorel Bigot, Cashier, Rockfeller Sorel, Door Security, MaitreSabum Noel, Door Security, Jean Bigot Antoine, Parking, and Benjamin Gedeon, also in Parking. We would like to extend our appreciation to our masters of ceremony: Actor Jean Gardy Bien-Aime, Past. Rosinyderonette, Sister Cherlee of New Jersey, Comedian AubryBlaque, Artist Tien-Tien, EdonyPrincivil, Silent Touch, AsnaldNelfrard, Emilie Gedeon, Eunide Bernard, WitnyLouis, Director Herod J. Felix and all of our Radio Hosts who are here this evening.
On behalf of OPDEB, I want to thank all of our friends for supporting this first fundraising concert and I thank all of you who have worked tirelessly with me during these past couple of months in order to make this dream a reality. It has been a great honor to serve as Chairman of this great organization.