Portland Parents Use Social Media to Raise $25,000 for Haiti Relief Efforts

Portland, OR -- Oregon parents Bill and Mary Pierznik harnessed the power of social media (Facebook and Twitter) to raise $25,000 for Haiti relief efforts in just 24 hours. Their new goal is to raise $100,000 to send directly to Haiti . They feel a strong connection to those devastated by the quake, as they adopted their son from Haiti. Bill and Mary Pierznik´s son, Richelor, once lived in an orphanage that was essentially destroyed in this week´s earthquake—which displaced 150 kids (ages 3 months to 9 years) who are now sleeping outside and may have 24 hours of food and water left.

Four-year-old Richelor also stepped up to help his country in need. When Richelor was told that there was a "big accident" in Haiti and that many buildings, cars, roads and other things were broken, he asked his parents what he could do to "fix the broken things" in Haiti. Together with his parents and his nanny, Ellie, Richelor created a Coin Drive Bucket to collect coins from his fellow students. He took it into school today and has already raised more than $70 in his first day.

"The children of Haiti need our help," said Bill Pierznik founder of Mangrove Fund. "Our efforts are now focused on helping the earthquake relief effort. 100% of the monies received will be sent directly to Haitian relief organizations."