Some welcome financial relief for Chile, The Dominican Republic, and Haiti was received by local nonprofit organizations today as funds distributed by the Union Foundation were presented during a ceremony at the Empire Hotel Rooftop Lounge.

Jason Ferriera (Owner of Met Foodmarkets),  Kevin St-Fort (Kappa Chapter Alumni Association) and representatives from the Union Foundation and Omega Phi Beta joined Kristen Duncan (American Red Cross in Greater New York) and Steve Null (Friends of Lead Free Children) to present funds generated by initiatives from Met Foodmarkets (which collected funds via in-store donations) and the Kappa Chapter Alumni Association of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Alpha Beta Chapter of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. which held 'Hispaniola: A Celebration of Life and Independence', (a fundraiser for Chile, The Dominican Republic, and Haiti) earlier this year (as well as their own individual donations).

"It says a lot about an organization when it's members stand up and do something to help others in need.  The American Red Cross in Greater New York is proud to support such philanthropy an welcomes opportunities to celebrate their successes though events such as this.” Kristen said.

Among those who attended the check presentation were people who attended the fundraiser and wanted to continue supporting this cause. "The combined efforts and energy of all of these individuals are the key reasons why this was such a great community event.” Kevin said.

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About the Union Foundation: Established in 2004, The Union Foundation is Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity's philanthropic arm. The Foundation is an initiative designed to impact the lives of Latino communities in the areas of education, economic development, and social progress. The Union Foundation is a private, charitable non-profit organization.

About the American Red Cross: American Red Cross (http://american.redcross.org/) is working with its partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, to assist those affected by the disaster in Chile and Haiti.

About Friends of Lead Free Children: Friends of Lead Free Children (http://friendsofleadfreechildren.org/), which is the largest private contributor of medical and hospital supplies to the Dominican Republic (with primary focus on prenatal supplements for at-risk pregnant Dominican and Haitian women).

About Met Food Markets: Met Foodmarkets (http://metfoods.com/) have been serving consumers in New York City and surrounding communities for more than 40 years. There are currently more than 80 Met Foodmarkets located in the New York metropolitan area.

About Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.: The mission of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (http://www.omegaphibeta.org/) is to serve and educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership and guidance.

About the Empire Hotel Rooftop: Located on the 12th floor of this distinctive New York City luxury hotel, The Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers magnificent views of Lincoln Center as well as the Broadway & Columbus Avenue gateway to Manhattan's Upper West Side. It has 2 levels and 3 rooms of outdoor/indoor enjoyment. There is also food service and bars through out the venue to quench your thirst and appetite.

Since 1931, Phi Iota Alpha has set precedents for Latino greek leadership in the global community. For over 75 years, Phi Iota Alpha has cultivated and inspired Latino men nationwide to become leaders of their communities across Latin America and the United States. Open to all men, this distinguished brotherhood includes many professionals and former presidents of Latin American countries. Today Phi Iota Alpha, the Oldest Latino Fraternity in existence, continues to lead as the preeminent Latino fraternal organization with chapters throughout the United States.