Raise the Roof raises over $30K; aims to reach goal of $100K by Sept. 17

The Raise the Roof fundraiser, which kicked off last week, was able to receive pledges totaling $31,443 as of yesterday.

According to planning committee lead Roxanne Diaz, aside from cash, some of the donors also pledged in-kind donations.

“Our goal is to raise $100,000 by Sept. 17, so we’re sixty some thousand shy but we will be actively going out to the community starting Tuesday because there were some pledges that came in but there were no dollar amounts yet,” Diaz said.

Despite power and water supply starting to resume slowly, Diaz said they are confident that relief efforts will continue.

“Thousands of our people are still displaced and homeless and so much still needs to be done. Let’s not forget them. Hence, we must continue to ‘Raise the Roof’ and to ‘Nå’i Ånimu,’” said Diaz.

United4Saipan’s Jenny Hegland speaks at the Raise the Roof fundraiser launch last Thursday and inspires the community to help in the island’s recovery. (Contributed photo)

Diaz said Delta donated two plane tickets to Japan and they will be looking for a way on how to raise funds through the donation.

They are also raising funds through selling shirts that can also be donated to people at the shelters. Over $400 was raised through this effort, which will also be given to the beneficiaries.

Funds raised will be donated to three beneficiaries: the Lady Diann Torres Foundation, United4Saipan, and the American Red Cross.

During the dinner launch held Thursday at the Fiesta Resort and Spa, representatives of each beneficiary spoke about their efforts and encouraged the community to help.

“Let’s join and help our island recover together,” U4S’s Jenny Hegland said, after showing an inspirational photo of volunteers helping a home.

Various performances were also showcased during the program to further inspire the community. Gary Sword of KKMP was the master of ceremonies and Diaz said they are thankful to the station for donating radio ad space on the airwaves.

Also a big part of the launch was Skywalker who paid for the expenses of the event.

“We’re all in this together and I ask you to use your personal networks and influence in ‘raising the roof’ in what we as business leaders can collectively do for the people of this very special place, for those who are displaced, homeless and still in despair, and also to the many hardworking government, private and charitable organizations who are working as one strong community to rebuild and recover the island of Saipan,” Skywalker’s managing director Dr. Bo said in his prior letter to corporate leaders.

To make a pledge or learn more about the effort, email RaiseTheRoofSaipan@gmail.com or contact 484-6976.