Yeshiva U., Snapple, and Pepsi Lead the Georges Relief Effort

University Donated Supplies First to Arrive in Dominican Republic

As soon as Hurricane Georges departed the Dominican Republic on September 24, Yeshiva University joined in the effort to mobilize aid for the hurricane-stricken country. Canned food and bottled water supplied by the University were on the first U.S. relief flight to depart for the small Caribbean nation following the storm.

Hurricane Georges, a mammoth tempest with sustained winds of 120 mph pummeled the Dominican Republic on September 23. The nation, which shares an island with Haiti, was ill prepared to deal with the consequences of the storm that was initially forecast as likely to skirt its northern coast. Residents and government officials were taken by surprise when the storm defied predictions and headed straight for Santo Domingo, the capital. The lack of preparedness made the carnage and damage extensive. Following the onslaught of the deadly winds and rain, electric power was knocked out and food availability became limited. However, the most immediate problem to face the stunned nation was the scarcity of fresh water.

Washington Heights, the home of YU's Uptown Campus, is host to one of the largest Dominican communities outside of the Tropics. The University, conscious of its neighbors, was swift to respond to a statewide call for aid by Governor George Pataki and the New York State Emergency Management Offices. After becoming aware of the relief effort, YU administration officials contacted Washington Heights Assemblyman Adriano Espaillat, who, along with Councilman Guillermo Linares, was involved in the coordination of the NYS relief effort within the Dominican Republic. The University initially offered financial assistance, but was informed that packaged food and bottled water would be of greater utility in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

YU organized an effort to supply 55 cases of tuna, 35 cases of assorted dry goods, and along with the Brooklyn Bottling Company, 150 cases of water. A National Guard C130 carried the University's donations along with those of the Snapple Beverage Company and PepsiCo. The three institutions were acknowledged by the assemblyman's office as the vanguard in the NYS relief effort.

A University press release shed light on the eagerness to offer assistance, displayed by the YU administration. Jeffrey Rosengarten, YU Director of Supporting Services, explained, "The University is directly affected by this tragedy. Many of our staff and neighbors have immediate family in the Dominican Republic and we felt compelled to help quickly. We're here, we're ready, and we'll do anything we can."

District Administrator Hector Santana spoke on behalf Assemblyman Espaillat who was already on site in the Dominican Republic. Santana described the assemblyman as "particularly moved" by the fact that the University took the initiative and came to him to make a contribution, even though it was not specifically solicited. Santana added that, "Yeshiva has always worked very closely with this office on a variety of different issues."

In a statement released by the assemblyman's office, Espaillat emphasized, "YU's efforts to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Georges are greatly appreciated by the community."