Our partners in health: Samin Nosrat, cook

Some of the treats sold at the bake sale in Berkeley, CA.

We've been incredibly touched and inspired by the outpouring of support we've received in the past few weeks. From celebrities to sports teams to activists--we are so thankful to all our partners in health. Below is the story of how one woman brought a community of volunteers to stand in solidarity with PIH, and with the people of Haiti.

 When she heard about the earthquake that devastated Haiti’s capital, Samin Nosrat was immediately compelled to respond in the best way she could.  A chef, writer, and teacher living in Berkeley, California, Samin used what she describes as her two greatest talents to help: cooking and bringing people together.  She had learned about PIH from a friend, and knew that we would need the help of people like her in order to provide desperately needed food, water and medical supplies the people of Port au Prince. She said, “When the earthquake struck, I knew that [PIH] would be doing invaluable work there and would need our support”

With the help of her own network of restaurant owners, chefs, and graphic designers, Samin organized bake sales at three locations throughout the Bay Area, and invited over 1,000 people via facebook and twitter.  The local press also promoted the event, featuring it in the SF Bay Area weekend guide, on blogs and on the radio.

As interest in the event grew, Samin received scores of offers of support.  A local knitting group decided to knit scarves and hats to sell, while others provided pickles, jams, chocolates, candies and loaves of artisan breads. Employees at one of the restaurants hosting the bake sale raised $5,000 themselves, and the founder of Ansura yoga, which Samin practices, offered to match another $5,000 in donations.  In all, about 100 volunteers contributed time, skills and financial resources to making sure all three sales were organized and stocked with gourmet treats.

Despite rain on the day of the bake sale, Samin estimates that over 1,000 people came out to offer their support to Haiti, and raised more than $22,000.  According to Samin, who said that the atmosphere was “warm, generous and spirited” the event was also very meaningful to the people who contributed.  “This was a wonderful opportunity for us to share [our work with everyone]”.  PIH thanks Samin—and everyone who contributed—for sharing with us.