On March 14, 2005, Harlem Arts Alliance members toting their pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, met at Commerce Bank, 300 West 125th Street, a shout away from the Apollo Theatre, to help launch the Harlem Arts Alliance Greater Benefit Fund.  This fund exists to assist HAA members who find themselves in dire circumstances. 

 

Harlem Arts Alliance member, Macksherroll Gordon-Bellamy first planted a seed for a fund (albeit of a different type) in the minds of the Harlem Arts Alliance members when he mentioned the need to raise money for  permanent home for the Harlem Arts Alliance (more about this in the future).  He stuck a chord of truth among members when he asked, "If we don't help ourselves, how can we expect anyone to help us?"

 

When a HAA member lost someone in their family and had no money for the burial, HAA Chairman, Voza Rivers, personally provided some funds to help defray the costs.  He saw the need for a "welfare fund" or "emergency fund" for HAA members and proposed that one be started using just the coins the membership has at home.  The members showed their support and approval by passing the basket and taking up a collection!  Thus, the Harlem Greater Benefit Fund was born.

 

At the March meeting, members Yvette Heyliger and Juliet Gumbs who volunteered to head up the fund raising efforts, announced that the launch of the HAA Greater Benefit Fund would take place on March 14, 2005 at Commerce Bank which opened its doors in Harlem less than a year ago.  Members were welcome to come and bring their spare change.  Mr. Rivers explains, "This centrally located branch is ideal for the HAA Greater Benefit Fund because they have coin machines that count your coins for free and provide you with a receipt."  All receipts are then collected and given to the store manager, Jeffrey Covington, and are then credited to the HAA Greater Benefit Fund.  Mr. Covington commented, "It is groundbreaking to see the members of the organization contribute to the success of the Harlem Arts Alliance, alongside their neighborhood banker."  On the day of the launch $168.88 was collected!

 

Members are invited to either meet after the monthly Harlem Arts Alliance meetings and walk to the bank together to turn in their coins, or to go any time it is convenient.  It is important to remember that your name and "Harlem Arts Alliance Greater Benefit Fund" must be written on the receipt and turned into Mr. Covington, store manager, to ensure proper credit.  

 

Why coins?  Well, we thought this would be an affordable way that members can contribute because almost everyone has change in a jar somewhere.  Make no mistake, Harlem Arts Alliance Greater Benefit Fund is grateful to get the kind of money that jingles, but even more grateful to get the kind that folds.

 

--Yvette Heyliger, for the Harlem Arts Alliance Greater Benefit Fund